RIGHTS OF WOMEN AND CHILDREN last rites, proper arrangements for the distribution of pensions, provision of LPG connections for group-cooking and the issuance of ration cards. 7.16 In follow-up of this matter, the Chairperson of the Commission called a meeting with senior officials of the Governments of Uttar Pradesh as well as West Bengal on 23 August 2001. This meeting was attended, among others, by the Secretary, Department of Women and Child Development (DWCD), Ministry of Human Resource Development, Government of India. 7.17 Among the decisions taken were the following: • The Government of Uttar Pradesh would take on rent two buildings to increase the accommodation needed by the widows. If need be, a few NGOs could be identified to run these homes, subject to periodical review of their performance. This scheme, if successful, could later be extended and replicated elsewhere. It was also decided that suitable land would be procured by the Government of Uttar Pradesh nearby, for the construction of two homes which should be able to accommodate 500 destitute women/widows with assistance also being provided by the Central Government. • In order to provide recreation facilities to these women, it was proposed to install television sets/radios in all the homes run by the Government. It was also decided that the Government could request the West Bengal Film Division to screen appropriate films in these homes. The Government could also request the National School of Drama and the Song and Drama Division to produce suitable programmes. • Self-help groups for income generation would be set-up to provide suitable training to women in small groups of 25 each to make candles, pickles, pappads, etc. During the training period, each trainee could be given a stipend and, after the completion of the training, they could be helped to obtain loans from the banks to make themselves self-reliant. Vocational training could also be imparted to some of these women in tailoring and block printing. • It was stated by the Secretary, Department of Women and Child Development, Ministry of Human Resource Development that their Department was in the process of developing a scheme for women in distress which would take care of all categories of women, including destitute women and widows needing care and protection. ANNUAL REPORT 2001-2002 j 71