Amethi:
Raising the issue of law and order in Uttar Pradesh where a spate of rape cases have been
reported recently, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi today alleged that there was no security for the common man in the state which was hampering its development.
"There are certain things lacking in UP including security. Rape cases are taking place in the state," Rahul said after laying the foundation stone of a CRPF centre here.
On Monday, Rahul had visited three rape victims in Banda, Kanpur and Sultanpur districts, which had drawn criticism from the ruling BSP with state Parliamentary Affairs Minister Lalji Verma asking why the Congress leader "did not see similar incidents in other states".
Claiming that the environment for development was lacking in UP, Rahul said he did not agree with the refrain that "people of the state do not work".
"I slightly differ. People in UP work, but certain things like security, industry, health and education are lacking, and without them, nothing much can be done," he said.
The Congress leader said that when people from UP go to Maharashtra and Delhi, they get an environment- health facilities, education and security- to work for development.
"Unless and until this kind of environment is created, UP cannot head forward rapidly. Our target is to provide such an environment to the people of the state," the AICC general secretary said.
Rahul said that if this target is achieved, UP will lead the country in the future.
Citing the example of a self-help group member, the Congress leader said that lack of information was the biggest hurdle in eradicating poverty.
"Last night, I met a member of a self-help group, Rajkali, who used to be very poor earlier, and I asked her that how she could overcome her poverty. The woman said that the day she stepped out of her house and faced the world, she was able to overcome poverty," Rahul said.
The Congress leader said if a person lacks information, he lacks confidence and till the time he lacks confidence, he can never overcome poverty.
"People here do not lack confidence. Only the door is closed. Our effort is to open this door and it opens by bringing a CRPF centre, also employment and education, which are most important," he said.
Rahul said that the CRPF centre will be set up at a cost of Rs 120 crore and will be the headquarters of the fifth battalion.
"CRPF is probably the lone force in the world which also helps in conducting elections and in a way helps in strengthening democracy," he said.
Speaking on the occasion, Director General CRPF K Vijay Kumar said that the group centre plays an important role in executing welfare schemes for jawans and their families.
"In days ahead, recruitment of constables and their training will also be held at this centre," he said.
Spread over an area of 265 acre, the CRPF campus will cater to almost 5000 personnel.