‘Women welfare schemes slashed by 20%’

LUCKNOW: Prime minister Narendra Modi's promise of ‘achchhe din’ was declared a farce by women associated with All India Democratic Women's Association here on Monday.
Leading the group was AIDWA national president Subhashini Ali who said, “In the same month last year, women were full of hope as BJP and PM Narendra Modi had promised many things to empower women through various schemes.But in one year, the ruling party has proved that that its promise was hollow.”
Citing an example, economist Smita Gupta said, “Instead of additional allocation, funds meant for women welfare schemes have been cut down significantly in the current year's Union budget which reveals the government's true intention.” In her paper titled ‘Booting women out of the budget’ Smita noted a 20% drop in the gender budget. In 2014-15, allocations under this head were Rs 79,258 crore.
Ali attacked the BJP for double standards on the issue of women’s emancipation. “On one hand they make claims of women empowerment while on the other, their leaders say foolish things like women were born only to bear kids.” AIDWA demanded restoration of funds deducted from various women welfare schemes in national interest.