Agra: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav on Sunday took his time out to visit the Sheroes Hang-Out, a cafe near the Taj Mahal run by acid attack victims, and assured all help to them to run the establishment.
He met acid attack victims Neetu, Geeta, Ritu and others, had coffee with them and directed District Magistrate Pankaj Kumar to look for land to help them to open a bigger and better cafe.
The Sheroes Hangout has attracted international notice, as the victims, instead of surrendering to depression or seclusion, and initial hesitation to move out openly, are now working in the cafe and serving foreign tourists. A library and boutique are additional attractions for tourists.
The cafe was started with donations through a Facebook page, and today it has managed to not only survive but provide sustenance to many victims.
The chief minister said he would help open similar cafes in Lucknow and Noida.
It is not the first time UP CM has shown his concren for acid attack victims. In March, Chief Minister gave financial assistance of Rs 3 lakh to 51 acid attack victims and also assured them that his government will bear the entire cost of their treatment.
He had credited his wife and Lok Sabha MP Dimple Yadav along with principal secretary, Women Welfare department, Renuka Kumar for the creation of the fund.
