Former Union Minister and Congress leader Girija Vyas passes away

NEW DELHI: Former Union Minister and senior Congress leader Girija Vyas has passed away at the age of 78. She died while receiving treatment at a private hospital in Ahmedabad after suffering burns. On March 31, she sustained burns while performing a prayer at home, as the fire from a lamp spread to her dupatta. She was admitted to a private hospital and after initial treatment, she was transferred to Ahmedabad for further care.

Girija Vyas served as the Minister of Urban Poverty Alleviation in the Manmohan Singh Cabinet during the 2013-2014 period. She became the chairperson of the National Commission for Women in June 2013, before serving as a union minister. She was elected to the Lok Sabha three times and was a member of the Rajasthan Cabinet from 1985 to 1990.