Congress president Sonia Gandhi introduced a scheme called Priyadarshini for the welfare of the women and children in Amethi. During the launch of the welfare scheme, both Sonia and Rahul Gandhi jointly addressed a public rally in Amethi. While addressing the rally, the Congress chief stated that the development of the country lies in the upliftment of women. Speaking on the occasion Congress general secretary and member of Parliament Rahul Gandhi said that people can become self-reliant only if women join self-help groups in large numbers.  

 

During his speech, Rahul Gandhi recalled his visit to the house of Sunita, a poor villager of Amethi and said that her sons are scared of the cops because they beat up their father. He described the miserable condition of Sunita's family and urged that efforts should be made to ensure two square meals a day for poor people like Sunita and her family. Rahul Gandhi said that he dreamt of an India where there will be no hunger and where people will live without fear.

 

Stressing on the need for empowerment of women in India, Sonia Gandhi said that women's empowerment can be possible through self-help group which will help them to contribute for the development of the country. The Priyadarshini scheme named after Indira Gandhi was earlier launched in Bahraich, Shravasti, Rae Bareli and Sultanpur districts.