Providing equal opportunities to women a priority: Khattar

CHANDIGARH: Haryana chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Sunday interacted with 650 women from various fields during a webinar ‘Mhari Baat, Mhare Manohar Ke Sath’ on the eve of Raksha Bandhan, an official spokesperson said.

Women from various fields, including renowned singer Himani Kapoor, Class 12 toppers, vice-chancellors of various universities, lawyers, doctors and panchayat representatives participated in the webinar.

During the interaction, Khattar was asked a question on women safety by Archana Chaudhary from Karnal’s Shamgarh village, who said he has been living in California for five years and driving a truck there. “I drive a truck in the United States. When I drive at night, I feel equally safe as I do during the day. Can women get such an atmosphere in Haryana? Can they feel equally safe if they go out during late nights? What steps has the state taken to make sure that women feel safe and secure,” she asked.

Responding to it, the CM said his government has opened 31 women police stations in the state and claimed of making tough laws with zero tolerance towards crimes against women.

ENSURE SUFFICIENT BUSES ON RAKSHA BANDHAN: MINISTER

Haryana transport minister Mool Chand Sharma on Sunday directed the roadways authorities to ensure that the buses in sufficient numbers operate as per the demand of the passengers in view of Raksha Bandhan so that the public doesn’t face any inconvenience. “A passenger without a mask will not be allowed to board the bus,” the minister said.

Buses are operating with 50% passenger strength at present.

ALLOW FREE TRAVEL FOR WOMEN: HOODA

Asking the state government to reconsider its decision of stopping free bus service for women on the day of Raksha Bandhan, ormer chief minister and leader of opposition Bhupinder Singh Hooda on Sunday said, “This will be for the first time in 14 years that the state will collect bus fare from women on Raksha Bandhan.”