PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun
Women Empowerment and Child Development (WECD) minister Rekha Arya said that a special scheme is being prepared to empower elderly women. She said this during a meeting with officials from the Women Empowerment department and representatives of non-governmental organisations working with elderly women on Monday.
Arya emphasised that the State government is committed to fulfilling its responsibilities toward half of the State’s population. She said that following the already implemented Mahila Sarathi Yojana, Mahila Evam Bal Mukhi Sahayata Yojana and Ekal Mahila Swarozgar Yojana, a special scheme for elderly women will be launched. The scheme aims to provide essential nutrition, care and emotional support to vulnerable elderly women in remote rural areas of the State.
The idea for this plan emerged after several days of consideration, she said.
She further added that during the meeting, it was also decided to hold small women’s conferences across the State, in each district, to facilitate direct communication with elderly women. This will help the government understand its issues and take concrete actions to address them. Arya instructed officials to prioritise the drafting of the plan and seek government approval promptly.
She said that the foundation of society is strengthened by the blessings of our grandmothers, and by serving them, we can show our gratitude. Arya expressed her hope that this concept will soon become a tangible plan. She reassured that a scheme aimed at providing economic, social and emotional support to elderly and helpless women in the State will be launched soon.
