'States Are Not Making Sincere Efforts...': Rajnath Singh's Dig at West Bengal Over RG Kar Rape Case

New Delhi: Taking a sharp swipe at Mamata Banerjee, Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh over the Kolkata rape-murder case, saying "many states are not making sincere efforts in this direction."

Addressing an event in Thiruvananthapuram, Singh spoke about the Centre's efforts towards women's health and women's safety following the horrific and gruesome rape and murder of the 31-year-old trainee doctor at Kolkata's RG Kar Hospital.

Calling it a "heart-wrenching" and "disgraceful," Rajnath said, "Considering the atrocities and crimes against women in the country, despite all the changes, it seems that a lot remains to be done. Our government has adopted a strict attitude towards crimes against women, but many states are not making sincere efforts in this direction."

The Defence Minister further emphasised that Prime Minister Narendra Modi -led government had amended the law to bring a provision of the "death penalty" for heinous crimes like rape.

The veteran BJP leader praised PM's 'Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao' campaign for gender ratio improvement in states like Haryana.

"After independence, women were denied agency and the opportunity to be active contributors to the development of this country. But the situation is now rapidly changing. For example, you can see that the share of women is increasing in the armed forces of the country."

"Many obstacles to the entry of women into the Armed Forces have been removed. In all three wings of the armed forces, we have ensured increased participation of women. Women are also being given admission to Sainik Schools," the Defence Minister said.