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I am very happy to be with you today, at this function, organized to commemorate the Foundation Day of the Central Bureau of Investigation. It is an appropriate occasion for the Agency to honour and pay tributes to those who have guided and oriented the Agency in becoming a highly professional multi-disciplinary investigating agency of our country. Shri D.P. Kohli, as its first Director, played a key role in it and I am happy that the Agency remembers his contribution by organising the memorial lecture and giving awards in his memory. Successors of Shri Kohli, have not only carried forward the healthy traditions developed by Shri Kohli but also made their own contribution towards enhancement of the reputation of the Agency. Today, as we all have gathered here to pay reverence to Shri Kohli and other former Directors, let us resolve to redouble our efforts to carry forward their mission and make the Agency one of the best investigating agencies of the world.
2. Our Government remains committed to provide full support to CBI in its march towards becoming a globally acclaimed investigating agency. The secret behind the trust and confidence reposed by the people in the objectivity, fairness and competence of the Agency essentially lies in the collective hard work, fairness and dedication of its officers and staff. To reward the good work being done by them, Government has sanctioned a special allowance of 25% to CBI officials upto the rank of Superintendent of Police and 15% above that rank. Government has also approved plans to construct a state-of-art Head Office Building for CBI and allocated funds for the project.
3. I am happy that CBI has invited Smt Ela Ramesh Bhatt to deliver the key note lecture of the day on “Freedom and Security : Women’s View”. Smt Bhatt has been the guiding spirit behind formation of an Association of self-employed women in Gujarat way back in seventies. The Association has gone on to show the wonders that collective and concerted action can achieve. With organised action, even weak and poor, can protect their interests, fight exploitation and injustices and improve their socio-economic status. It would be of great interest to hear from her as to what freedom and security means to women of this country particularly to those who are poor and marginalized.
4. Our Founding Fathers were especially sensitive to the needs and aspirations of women. After independence, our Constitution accorded equal rights to men and women. This was, unlike the position in many countries including UK and USA, where women had to wage a long struggle to secure even the right to vote or parity of pay with men. Our Constitution further empowers the State to adopt measures of positive discrimination in favour of women. A number of women specific and women related legislations have also been enacted to protect women against social discrimination, violence and atrocities and to prevent social evils such as child marriages, dowry, rape, and practice of sati. India has also ratified a number of international conventions and human rights instruments committing to secure equal rights for women. A number of schemes and programmes have also been launched from time to time for improving the socio-economic status of women. These measures have positively impacted the socio-economic status of women in the country.
5. A revolutionary step towards political empowerment of women at grassroot levels was taken by Shri Rajiv Gandhiji by providing 1/3rd reservation for women in all local bodies through the 73rd and 74th Constitutional amendments. A recent study reveals that increased participation of women in local bodies has led to more equitable distribution of community resources with direct benefits for women and children, especially girls. This single step has made a far reaching impact in improving the status of women at grassroot levels.
6. UPA Government has also taken a number of important steps for ensuring rightful place of women in our society. 40% of Indian women are reportedly victims of domestic violence and a case of cruelty by husbands and relatives is reported every nine minutes. To address this problem, UPA Government has enacted the Protection from Domestic Violence Act, 2005. The Hindu Succession (Amendment) Act, 2005 has also been amended to provide same property rights to daughters as are available to sons. Gender budgeting has been introduced in the Union Budget to ensure that the resources reach women. A paradigm shift in the planning process has also been introduced with empowerment of women being recognized and accepted as a distinct strategy to push growth and social development.
7. We are all familiar with the saying that “If you educate a boy, you educate an individual but if you educate a girl, you educate a family, society and ultimately the nation”. I am also reminded of that famous remark of Napoleon “Give me an educated mother, I shall promise you the birth of a civilized nation”. We recognise that women can become effective agents of social change provided they receive quality education. UPA Government has been paying special attention to promote education of girl child.
8. The process of conversion of de-jure Rights and Freedoms into de-facto ground realities for all our women particularly poor and marginalized, is, however, still far from complete. Winds of change are, however, blowing and the focus has decisively shifted from welfare of women to their empowerment. I am confident that in the years to come, Indian women would assume their rightful place in the society and will actively play their role in the development of the country. It is in this context that our investigating agencies, and CBI in particular, need to be more sensitive to the emerging needs of women. CBI has already shown its commitment towards this by securing conviction in some high profile cases of crime against women. They need to sustain these efforts over time. I am sure, that the Agency will live upto these expectation.
9. Before I conclude, I would like to congratulate Constable Shri T. Subba Reddy of ACB, Hyderabad who has been conferred the D P Kohli Memorial Award of this year. The institution of an award for Constables is an ample recognition of crucial importance of work of every member of the team. I am sure, the recognition of meritorious work will motivate the staff of Agency to perform even more efficiently under the able guidance and leadership of Director, CBI. With these words, I wish all the best to officers and staff of the Agency.
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