Human rights must be basis of public policy, says PM Modi

NEW DELHI: PM Narendra Modi said on Friday that human rights should not merely be a slogan but also a part of our ethos and the basis of public policy. He asserted that along with raising awareness about the human rights, there is a need to remind the citizens about their duties and responsibilities as one who understands his responsibilities can only respect the rights of others.

Emphasising his government's commitment to provide women a life of dignity, Modi highlighted legislations on triple talaq and increasing the period of maternity leave from 12 to 36 weeks-laws meant to ensure the rights of women.

"I can say with pride that with Beti Bachao Beti Padhao campaign, there has been a rise in the number of girls (female ratio) in Haryana, Rajasthan and many other states. Many innocents have got rights. The meaning of life is not only to live, but live with dignity," he said.

Modi was addressing human rights activists and NGOs from various parts of the country during the silver jubilee foundation day celebrations of NHRC at Vigyan Bhawan.

Asserting that protection of human rights, equality and balance have always been an important part of our culture and tradition, Modi said that "after independence, elements such as an independent and impartial judiciary; an active media; an active civil society, and organisations such as NHRC are in place to protect the human rights of deprived and oppressed."

"There are many organisations in India which are working to uplift the poor, protection of rights of women, children and disabled and who help in taking the development programmes to the citizens. Even during Emergency, when even people's right to live were snatched lakhs were jailed by the government, these organisations worked to restore the rights of people. I salute these organisations," said Modi.

"Government's focus has been to ensure that all Indians have access to the basic needs of human beings. Schemes like Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao, Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana have brought a transformation in the lives of the people," Modi said.