PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun
Chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami announced free bus service in Uttarakhand Transport Corporation buses for women on August 28 and 29 on the occasion of Rakshabandhan. He said this while attending two separate events to mark the occasion on Sunday. A large number of women tied Rakhis on the CM’ wrist during the programmes.
Stating that women are the biggest strength of the society and nation, Dhami said the benefit of an empowered woman is not limited to the family but enables the entire society and nation to progress. He said that historic steps have been taken under Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the honour, security and empowerment of women. The Ujjwala Yojana has provided women freedom from smoke-filled kitchens, tap water has reached homes through the Jal Jeevan Mission, women have been linked to home ownership through the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana while work is underway to make women financially independent through the Lakpati Didi scheme, he said. Decisive steps have been taken for women’s reservation, construction of toilets and against regressive practices like triple talaq. The CM said that under PM Modi’s guidance and with the Centre’s assistance, the Uttarakhand government is also working in a committed manner for the empowerment of women. The government is aiming to ensure equal opportunities for women in all spheres including education, health, employment, self-employment and entrepreneurship. He mentioned the various schemes being undertaken in the State for this purpose.
Dhami said, “More than five lakh women are connected with more than 70,000 self help groups, involved in self-employment and economic activities in the State. These SHGs are not merely sources of income but have also become strong centres of women’s collective strength, leadership and self-reliance in rural areas. More than 7,000 village organisations and more than 500 cluster organisations also present an example of women’s collective capabilities and leadership in the State. Further, more than three lakh women have become Lakhpati Didis. These women have not only financially strengthened their family but have set an example of women empowerment in Uttarakhand,” he said.
The CM further said that more than 34,000 youths have been provided government jobs during the past five years so far. The government didn’t limit itself to talking about employment but also made major improvements in the recruitment process. A strict anti-copying law was made and the recruitment process was made transparent with a strong system in place to prevent injustice with capable youths.
