Free education to girls if Congress voted to power in Odisha: Rahul

Jeypore: Every girl will get a free education if Congress will be voted to power in Odisha, said AICC President Rahul Gandhi during a public rally here today.

“Be it the technical education, school or college education or any kind of higher education, the State government will provide free education to girls if the Congress forms the government in Odisha,” he announced on occasion of International Women’s Day.

He also announced to provide marriage kit for the poor women for marriage.

“The financial assistance will be provided to every poor girl for marriage. We will hike widow allowance to Rs 2,000,” he said while addressing the mega rally in Jeypore.

Hitting out at the BJD government over the rising number of rape cases in the State, he said that a special officer will be appointed in every panchayat for women.

“A financial corporation will be set up for women entrepreneurs who run small business units in the State,” said the Congress supremo at the public meeting.

He slammed Naveen Patnaik-led government for allegedly suppressing the voice of people including dalits and tribals in the State.

“We want to form the government of dalits, oppressed, tribals, women and labourers here. We want the people’s voice to be heard in Assembly. We do not want to tell you ‘Mann Ki Baat’, rather we want to run the government hearing your ‘Mann Ki Baat’,” said Gandhi said.

During his speech, he continued targeting Narendra Modi government over several issues including Rafale deal.

The Nehru-Gandhi scion also promised to waive off farm loans and to hike paddy MSP in Odisha if the party comes to power in 2019 elections.

Earlier in the day, Gandhi had addressed a women’s convention on the occasion of International Women’s Day in Jeypore.

He said that there should be zero tolerance on violence against women in the country, adding that the Women Reservation Bill will be passed in Parliament if Congress comes to power in the coming Lok Sabha polls.

He admired the “fighting spirit” of women and urged people to recommit themselves to break barriers that hinder the path to equality.

“Fight for your space and don’t consider yourself less than anyone,” he said.