The UPA Chairperson, Mrs. Sonia Gandhi has asserted that social upliftment of women is must to ensure success of schemes aimed at development of women and children. Speaking at a launch of Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram scheme in Thane district of Maharashtra today, she hoped that the objective of the National Rural Health Mission initiative to benefit 27 crore children would be achieved through effective implementation and monitoring of the scheme .

She said that the scheme will be extended to all districts across the country in a phased manner. The UPA Chairperson said infant mortality rate continues to be a cause of concern despite best efforts by the Government. She said that Central Government has ensured that there is no shortage of funds for social welfare and human resources development.

A whooping amount of 90 thousand crore rupees has been provided to states under National Rural Health Mission. The Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare, Mr. Ghulam Nabi Azad was also present at the launch of the scheme.