Date:19/02/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/02/19/stories/2008021950821100.htm

National

Women demand a better deal in budget

Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI: A delegation of women, led by Minister of State for Women and Child Development, Renuka Chowdhury, called on Union Finance Minister P. Chidambaram here on Monday to demand a better deal in the coming budget.

The delegation sought incentives for asset-building by way of softer loans, particularly for single women and widows.

Wants VAT withdrawn

It wanted special schemes to increase the employability of women whose husbands had commited suicide due to the agrarian crisis.

The Government should enhance the allocation for education and health as promised under the national common minimum programme of the United Progressive Alliance, it said.

The delegation wanted withdrawal of VAT on the items of women’s personal hygiene so that these were within the reach of all.

However since VAT was a State subject, Ms. Chowdhury said she would write to the States in this connection.

According to Bollywood star Preity Zinta — who was part of the delegation — the need of the hour was to focus on reduction of infant mortality rate and maternal mortality rate and improving the male-female ratio in school enrolment.

Mr. Chidambaram gave the delegation a patient hearing.

Ms. Chowdhury said the women would create a “pressure group” to ensure that their demands were not neglected.