Need for a social reforms movement for women empowermentBhopal:Sunday, June 29,:The President Smt. Pratibha Patil, while launching the “Usha Kiran Yojana” of Madhya Pradesh Government here today called for a new social reform movement for women empowerment and to bring about social attitude towards women.
Smt Patil stressed the need for a change in thinking and mindset of society vis-à-vis women. She underlined the importance of equal opportunities for women and giving them the powers to take decision besides economic self-reliance for their empowerment in true sense. The President said that this is a formidable challenge before to meet which united efforts of government, all sections of society, media and social organizations have to be made.
Smt. Patil described the Usha Kiran Yojana as a perfect scheme and lauded the initiatives taken by Madhya Pradesh government for betterment of women and girls.
The President stressed the need for educationally, socially and economically strengthening women and efficient implementation of the schemes for this.
Earlier, the President inaugurated the Usha Kiran Yojana by clicking on the laptop. The scheme aims at providing protection to violence affected women and their rehabilitation.
The Chief Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan released a booklet focused on this scheme. Prominent among those present on the occasion included Shri Devi Singh Shekhawat, Madhya Pradesh Minister for Women and Child Development Sushri Kusum Mahadele, Minister of State Shri Gangaram Patel and the Chief Secretary Shri Rakesh Sahni. Principal Secretary, Women and Child Development Smt. Snehlata Shrivastava elaborated on the salient features of the scheme.
Speaking further, the President emphasized the need for total transparency in implementation, coordination and monitoring to get the best results of the scheme. She said that it should be implemented as a model by benefiting all victimized women without any discrimination.
Smt. Patil said that as a nation India would realize its full potential when the circuits of women’s highest potential are ignited. There is need for creating an atmosphere where women are safe and have equal opportunities for progress. Smt Patil quoted Mahatma Gandhi as saying that if our society would be non-violent, its reins would be in the hands of women in future.
The President regretted that women have not yet been given equal status in society even after so long since Independence. Of course, a lot has been done in this direction but the goal cannot be attained without enhancing awareness. Women have proved their worth in every filed including administration, police, military and space, yet there seems to be a contradiction with regard to their social status in the country. Social narrow mindedness and superstitions are major causes of discrimination against women and their persecution. She said that a congenial atmosphere for women to live with self respect and dignity can be created only by ensuring them better health, educational and other facilities besides participation in politics and decision making.
She complemented Madhya Pradesh government for the measures taken by it for welfare of women and children.
The Chief Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan in his address dwelt at length on the schemes being implemented in the state for betterment and empowerment of women saying that Madhya Pradesh is a pioneer in the country in this regard. The Chief Minister said that the state government has launched Ladali Laxami Yojana under which National Saving Certificates are purchased in the name of girls. For promoting girls education free textbooks and uniforms are being provided to them right from Ist standard to XII. Cycles are provided free of cost to girls who attend the school in other villages. Under Gaon Ki Beti scheme scholarship is provided to rural girls passing Higher Secondary examination in first division, for pursuing higher education.
The Chief Minister said that better health facilities are being provided to women. There is a Janani Suraksha Express in every block. One more vehicle is being provided from this year. A target has been fixed to ensure cent percent institutional deliveries. Presently it has increased from 18 to 70 percent.
Referring to Mukhya Mantri Kanyadan Yojana the Chief Minister said that the state government has provided assistance for marriage of over 70 thousand girls of poor families. He said that all possible efforts are being made to change the mentality of considering a girl child as a liability. He said that funds would not be allowed to be an impediment for welfare of women and girls.
The Minister for Women and Child Development Sushri Kusum Mahadele said that man should change the attitude of treating woman as a secondary citizen. Then there would be no need for any law or rule to protect women against atrocities and persecution. The efforts being made by the state government under the leadership of the Chief Minister Shri Shivraj Singh have about a considerable change in social thinking towards women in the state. Madhya Pradesh has emerged, as a leading state in the country with regard to welfare measures for women and girls and very soon it would be a model state in this regard.
Shri Gangaram Patel proposed a vote of thanks. Member of Parliament Shri Kailash Joshi, other public representatives and a large number of women were present on the occasion.
Educationall,socially and economically strong women will a boon to the society because we cannot dream of a strong self dependent Nation where the plight of the women, the real pillars of strong and morally high society,are in miserable state.It very imporatant to educate and make her self dependent…. kishore kumar’vidhrohi’.
Very nice and best project for the women.