The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee called for concerted efforts by Government, private and voluntary sectors for the development of the weaker and vulnerable sections of our society. He pointed out that the Government of India, through its programmes and policies has engineered a major directional change in public policy by its focus on inclusive development. He expressed confidence that the organizations who have won awards will inspire hundreds of other organizations like themselves, located all over India - in rural as well as urban centres.

The President was speaking on the occasion of presentation of Dr. Durgabai Deshmukh Awards for Women's Development for the years 2005, 2006 and 2007 today (November 5, 2012) at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

The eighth Award for 2005 was jointly given to Mizoram Hmeithai (Widows) Association and People's Forum, Bhubaneswar. The Mizoram Hmeithai (Widows) Association has been working to bring succour and relief to thousands of widows and destitute women and hundreds of abandoned orphan children. The People's Forum, Bhubaneswar was awarded for its landmark services in the rescue and rehabilitation of hundreds of mentally ill women and for its exemplary work with women in distress.

The ninth Award for the year 2006 was awarded to Sumangali Seva Ashram of Bangalore. The main activities of the Sumangali Seva Ashram are care, education and development of deserted, orphan and needy children and socio-economic opportunities for development of women.

Snehalaya of Ahmednagar was awarded the tenth Award for the year 2007 for its landmark work in the rehabilitation of women of red light areas and other destitute women.

Among the dignitaries present on the occasion was Smt. Krishna Tirath, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Women and Child Development, Government of India and Smt. Prema Cariappa, Chairperson, Central Social Welfare Board.

This release issued at 1900hrs