Chief Minister Laxmikant Parsekar in his Budget 2015-16 has proposed two awards – Veerjyoti Puraskars and Rakshak Puruskars – for women and girl child at the State level.
“It gives me great pleasure and satisfaction to inform the House, that as a measure of its firm belief in gender equity, respect and dignity of women through their empowerment in all walks of life, government will institute two awards,” he said.
Two Veerjyoti Puraskars will be given to women and girl child, respectively for showing exemplary bravery and courage against any atrocities, violence and or harassment against them or against any other woman or girl. The award would be presented on the occasion of the Republic Day, every year.
Similarly, two Rakshak Puruskars will be given for coming to the aid, protection or help beyond the call of duty in dealing with any type of violence, attack or harassment against women and girls to the people of the State from any walks of life, whether they are police officers, doctors, lawyers, public prosecutors, social workers, teachers, tourist guides, lifeguards, bus, taxi or auto drivers as a message to encourage and motivate all to bestow respect and dignity to women in society. These awards will be given on Independence Day, 15th August every year.
