It's shameful that children are being tortured in India: Sonia

UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi said on Thursday it was shameful that children were being tortured in India after a 6 year old Dalit girl was beaten by police in Etawah.

At a function to give away the National Child awards here, Gandhi said the country needs to implement laws protecting them very rigorously.

She said, "Though children are god's gift to the world and despite all laws to protect them, it is sad to note that in India children are still being tortured which makes our head hang in shame. All of us should raise our voices against such horrific incidents".

The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has the responsibility to ensure that laws to protect children are used properly, she said.

"We have the largest number of children in the world which is around 40 crore. They will be responsible for the future of the country," she said giving away the National Child awards here.

Observing that a woman can ensure the well-being of her children and family only if she stands on her feet, Gandhi said the UPA Government had thus focussed on women's self help groups.

"I am worried that a large number of children instead of going to school are working. Child labour eradication needs more effort," she said adding that there was also a need to stop female foeticide and child marriages.

Women and Child Development Minister Renuka Chowdhary appealed to citizens across the country to ensure that female foetuses are not killed.

"Even now we practice female foeticide. If we keep on killing girls then how can we have colour in our society," she said.