NCW criticizes UP Govt. for poor budgetary allocation for state women's commission

The National Commission for Women (NCW) on Wednesday critisised the Samajwadi Party (SP)-led Uttar Pradesh Government after it was revealed by an RTI query that the state government has constantly slashed its budget allocation to the state women's commission, but has enough funds to purchase two Mercedes cars and two Land Cruisers for the chief minister.

NCW Chairman Mamta Sharma said, "The UP Government's attitude towards crime against women has always been lax. It is very unfortunate that the government is insensitive towards the plight of the women in the state."

Sharma further said that the UP Women's Commission and women in the state should raise their voices against such practices, and should hold agitations.

"I will write to UP CM that this is a disaster. On one side, you talk about development and empowerment of women, but on other hand, you are slashing allocation to the women's commission, and are instead, using the funds for your own luxury," she added.

Another NCW member Shamina Shafiq also criticized the UP Government, saying, "This is a very shameful thing to do. But this is not shocking, as a woman's safety and empowerment is not a priority of the reigning Samajwadi Party Government."

An RTI query has revealed that the state government has fewer funds to provide to the State Women's Commission, but has segregated separate funds to purchase two Mercedes cars and two Land Cruisers.

It was also revealed that the state government has slashed the allocations to the commission by over 85 percent in the last three years.