SPEECH BY HER EXCELLENCY THE PRESIDENT OF INDIA, SHRIMATI PRATIBHA DEVISINGH PATIL, AT THE NATIONAL CONCLAVE OF NORTH EASTERN STATES FOR ACCESS TO JUSTICE TO WOMEN OF THE REGION

New Delhi, 17 February 2008

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I am very happy to participate at the "National Conclave of North Eastern States for Access to Justice to Women of the Region" to discuss impediments of access to justice and the convergence of schemes pertaining to social justice in the region. I am privileged to be in the midst of participants from the North Eastern States at this Conclave. I had advised the organizers to hold the conference in the North Eastern region, but due to certain constraints, it could not be held there. I hope in near future it will be held in one of the North Eastern States.

The North-East is a very special part of India. It is a land of exquisite natural landscapes with snow mountains, rivers and dense forests; with a large variety of flora and fauna; and with rich natural resources. Its brave and strong people belonging to its different tribes with their vibrant culture flowing out of the diversity of languages, customs, traditions, dance and music have enriched our country. These patriotic and hardworking people are proud Indians with a great sense of national integrity. The region is a land of beauty and is also a land of great potential. The challenge is to realize the potential of the region and bring development there in an atmosphere of peace.

As we are holding this meeting on Access to Justice to Women of the Region, I am also pleased to note that the 5th North-East Trade Expo is also being held in New Delhi under the auspices of the Ministry for the Development of the North-Eastern Region. I understand that at the Expo products from the region are on display and there is an opportunity to taste the special cuisines as well as watch the different cultural performances from the region. The North East Crafts and Culture Festival is another event currently underway in New Delhi. I would encourage the frequent holdings of events from the North-Eastern States in the National Capital and in other parts of India as they promote better understanding and appreciation of each other's cultures and traditions.

Bringing the North Eastern region closer and developing the region, both are an essential part of our national endeavour. Geographical features have, for too long, acted as a constraint to the overall development of the region. The states of the North-East are required to be made more accessible for the easy flow of not only commerce and trade but also of ideas and new technological developments. Infrastructure development of road, rail, air and tele-communications would help in realizing the potential of the region and will provide better connectivity with rest of India, making people-to-people contacts easier.

The Constitution of India has assured to all its citizens, political social and economic justice. We have been working for this objective for the last six decades. Success has been achieved in many areas, work is in progress in others and in some areas challenges remain. We have demonstrated to the world that a developing country of over a billion people can live harmoniously and move forward within the framework of a secular democracy. This has been possible due to the effort of each and every citizen of India.

Like all people of India, those from the North Eastern region, are also looking for progress and prosperity. With a high growth rate of about 9% per annum I am sure that we will achieve this. However, as we move forward, we must always remember that our grievances must be resolved through constructive dialogue and in a democratic manner.

The story of development in the North-East is in many respects similar to that of the other parts of India. While much has been achieved large sections of society still remain outside the pale of progress. It is only when we are responsive to the weakest voices that we can truly achieve the democratic ideal. I strongly feel that socio-economic development should include special programmes for the under-privileged and marginalized sections of society as also for women.

One of the tasks we still have to accomplish in our country is the empowerment of women and gender equality. Women constitute about half of our population but still do not have the same opportunities as their male counterparts. Often there is discrimination against women and they are faced with many social biases. Though the women of the North East are hardworking, run the household and enjoy better equality in society as compared to several other parts of the country. To help women realize their rights - the political, economic and social institutions and structures would have to work in tandem.

Women have been given 33% representation in local bodies. Women-specific and women-related policies and programmes have been enunciated and the Government is also making efforts to create an enabling environment in which women's concerns can be reflected, articulated and redressed. Legislatures at the National and State levels have contributed by creating laws for social welfare and greater participation of women in national life. However, while statutory declarations do create rights but to have an impact on the lives of the targeted beneficiaries, these need to be implemented for which effective delivery mechanisms are necessary. Equally important is that when there is an infringement of their rights or denial of benefits, women should have easy recourse to the judicial system for the enforceability of their rights. The question of who, how, and through whom to approach are the issues relating access to justice. These pose a big challenge for women particularly, those who are uneducated.

Participating at the National Conference on Access to Justice for Women in last November, I had spoken about the need to have a legal judicial system that is more responsive to the needs of women. The judicial officers should be given necessary training to sensitize them that while dealing with cases of violence, harassment or discrimination against women they should ensure speedy justice. The message should be registered in society that those violating the dignity and rights of women will be dealt with immediately. The importance of simple procedures that can easily be understood cannot be over-emphasized with regard to access to justice to women. The procedures must be made and the delivery mechanisms brought nearer so that people gain better access to it.

Making women aware of their rights is another task we have to undertake. Apart from Government institutions, women groups, NGOs should participate in these efforts. Let legal literacy be taken up as a countrywide campaign by the Legal Services Authority.

Women should have the means and ability to approach a legal institution for remedial action and for that legal aid and advise is necessary. It is a matter of satisfaction that right to free legal service is now a statutorily guaranteed right. The Legal Services Authorities Act has resulted in establishment of Legal Services Authorities at three levels: National, State and District. They all have a role in making legal services available to women.

I often heard that for the free legal service, the legal community is not very enthusiastic. I would call for a change in that approach. If all lawyers to take upon themselves a certain number of cases to defend women rights it would make a lot of difference. I would urge upon the women lawyers to set an example in this regard.

One of the most important steps towards empowerment of women is to educate them. I would, therefore, call for a special focus on education programme for women and girl child as a tool of empowerment. Necessary incentives for the girl child to go to school should be implemented. It is only when we have spread education among women as well as empowered them economically and politically, that access to justice to women would be fully realized.

With these words, I inaugurate the National Conclave.

Thank You.