Modi slams ‘selective interpretation’ of human rights issues

Ravi S Singh
Tribune News Service
New Delhi, October 12

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday slammed those who indulged in selective interpretation of human rights by seeing it through their political prism and vested interests, saying some people are trying to defame the country on human rights issue.

“Such selective behaviour equally causes damage to democracy,” Modi said while virtually addressing the 28th Foundation Day of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC). 

Union Home Minister Amit Shah was also present.

“For some, the same incident becomes an issue of human rights violation, while in another case it is not,” Modi said.

He said some people are trying to defame the country. The country must remain guarded against such moves, he added.

Modi batted for correlation of rights and duties. He said they are organically related with regard to constructing a value-based society, and development of human civilisation.

He said his government is focused on initiatives for the welfare of poor, small farmers and marginalised by providing them with basic amenities like houses, toilets, electricity and health care and empowering them through inclusive and participatory growth.

He referred to schemes like Ujjawala, opening of Jan Dhan accounts, Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana and Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi.

He said the examples of development and implementation of schemes could also be seen in Jammu and Kashmir and north-easterm states.

He said transparent and equitable implementation of government’s policies and schemes ensures human rights. When the poor become free of worries of daily chores and struggles for basic amenities, they feel a sense of dignity and self-confidence and resultantly become mindful of their rights.

He said the government had opened the doors of sectors for women to take up jobs. Laws had been strengthened to prevent atrocities and abuse of various sections of society like transgenders, children, women and the physically challenged, he added.