‘Shining example’: Prez Murmu lauds govt initiatives for poverty alleviation

New Delhi: India today stands as a “shining example” where “great initiatives” are being taken by the Government for poverty alleviation, the eradication of hunger by providing free food to the underprivileged and offering equal opportunities to youth to realise their dreams, President Droupadi Murmu said on Tuesday.

The President made the remarks while addressing a gathering during a function organised by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) here at Vigyan Bhavan to celebrate the Human Rights Day. President Murmu, who was the chief guest at the event, said that the celebration of Human Rights Day provides an opportunity to reflect on the ideals enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and reaffirm “our collective resolve to contribute to building a world where justice and human dignity are the bedrock of society”.

She said that the govt guarantees a number of socio-economic and cultural rights for all, from housing, clean drinking water, improved sanitation, electricity, cooking gas and financial services to healthcare and education.

The President also commended the NHRC and SHRCs along with civil society, human rights defenders, Special Rapporteurs and Special Monitors in addressing violations, raising awareness, and recommending policy changes to uphold the rights of the marginalised.

Referring to the emerging challenges in the future, she said that cybercrimes and climate change are new threats to human rights. “The digital era, while being transformative, has also brought with it complex issues such as cyberbullying, deepfakes, privacy concerns... These challenges underscore the importance of fostering a safe, secure, and equitable digital environment that protects the rights and dignity of every individual,” Murmu said.