The Indian Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh has called for concerted efforts for the welfare of the children. ?Interests of the children are our topmost priority. An independent status has been given to the women and Child development department so that needs of the children can be taken care of?, this was stated by the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh while distributing National Awards here today. Dr. Singh said special arrangements have to be made for the look after the orphan children and the children who need special care.
In a function at Vigyan Bhawan, Dr. Manmohan Singh gave away National Children awards for Exceptional Achievements to 29 children, in the age group of 4 to 14 years for their exceptional achievements in the fields like academics, art, culture, music, sports, etc. Awards included one gold medal for the national level award and 28 silver medals for State level awards. Besides medals, awards carry cash of Rs. 20,000/- to gold medalist and Rs. 10,000/- to silver medalists.
On the occasion, Smt Renuka Chowdhury, Minister of State for Women and Child Development said that society and the country cannot progress until child and women welfare is given priority. ?We have to provide all possible opportunities for the development of talent of the children. National Awards are the recognition of such talent only?, she said. Congratulating the children on the Bal Divas, the Minister said that her Ministry is organizing, first time, Mahila and Bal Mahotsav in New Delhi which is an effort to bring happiness and joy into the lives of children, particularly the distressed and deprived ones.