One of the two prestigious Schemes of the Government of AP 'Bangaru Thalli' that is a Girl Child Promotion and Empowerment Bill was passed yesterday after the main opposition party TDP leaders walked out in protest.  

The Chief Minister Kiran Kumar Reddy was jubilant on passing the Bill as it was already announced by him and a lot of publicity is made on that and also he faced criticism from his own party leaders calling it a unilateral decision.  As the Bill is passed now, it worked as a face saver for him.  

Kiran Kumar said on the occasion when he met women Members of the Assembly after passing of the Bill that the Bill is aimed at the welfare of girl children but unfortunately some of the opposition leaders, without considering the overall benefits the Bill gives to the poor, are commenting that it is made to get popularity and increase the chances of getting more votes in the coming elections.  

The scheme as the Minister for Child Welfare Sunita Laxma Reddy said, is aimed at total empowerment of the women but not only for health care and education of the girl child.  

The scheme called 'Bangaru Thalli' originally was to give benefit only to the SC and ST girl children but now it is extended to the families of below poverty lines (BPL).  

(AW-SriJa)