New Delhi: Claiming men perform some of the riskiest jobs and that the government collects 82 per cent of its tax revenue from them, a men's organisation today demanded a ministry dedicated to the welfare and protection of their gender.

Aggrieved at what they say is discrimination against them, a group of men under the aegis of Save Family Foundation celebrated the International Men's Day today and wanted that a ministry be set up for their welfare and protection against verbal, emotional, economic, physical and sexual abuse at home and at work place.

The Foundation submitted a memorandum to this effect to President Pratibha Patil, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and UPA Chairperson Sonia Gandhi.

"All laws meant for the protection of women in India are gender biased. It is high time that a ministry for men's welfare should be set up in India," Swaroop Sarkar, coordinator of the Foundation, said.

"As per data of Crime Bureau of India more than 72,000 men commit suicide every year. Suicides by married men are higher than those by married women. Indian men have no legal protection," Sarkar added.

Interestingly, the foundation claims that increasing number of men are losing employment and more women are entering the job market, defying their "traditional" role within the family and society.

"Nevertheless, society is refusing to free men of their traditional duties of protecting and providing for women, children and the aged," it said.

Source : PTI