Shimla: (HD NEWS); The women constitute about 50 per cent of our society and play an important role in making a strong and vibrant society. This was stated by Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur while addressing the Pratibha Samman Samaroh Mansavi organised by the BJP Mahila Morcha Himachal Pradesh at historic Gaiety Theatre here today. He said that during the Covid-19 pandemic BJP Mahila Morcha played a major role in checking spread of this virus as over 53 lakh of masks were prepared and distributed by them free of cost.
Jai Ram Thakur said that 50 per cent reservation was provided in Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) to the women in the State during his tenure as Panchayati Raj Minister. He said that there was almost no area and sphere where women have not excelled which was a matter of happiness for all of us.
Chief Minister said that the State Government was committed towards women empowerment and gender equality and has taken several steps in this direction. He said that a separate Gender Budget Statement containing detail of all major schemes devoted to women welfare and empowerment have been presented in the Budget for the financial year 2022-23. He said that this step would go a long way in monitoring schemes being implemented for women empowerment.
Jai Ram Thakur said that the State Government has decided to provide social security pension to all in the age group of 60 years without any income limit. He said that several schemes have been started for the welfare of the women in the State. He said that Mukhyamantri Grihini Suvidha Yojna was aimed at providing free gas connection to poor families. He said that over 3.25 lakh free gas connections have been provided under this scheme and the State has become a smoke free state of the country. He said that girls of BPL families were being provided assistance of Rs. 31, 000 at the time of their marriage under the Shagun Yojna.
Chief Minister said that Mukhyamantri Swabalamban Yojna has also helped women entrepreneurs in making their dreams come true. He said that 35 per cent subsidy would be provided to women entrepreneurs under this scheme.
Jai Ram Thakur said that the monthly honorarium of Anganwari workers, Anganwari Assistant and ASHA worker have been increased considerably. He said that honorarium of sewing teachers, mid-day meal workers, water carriers in Education Department have also been increased substantially. He said that Anganwari Workers would now get Rs. 9000, Mini Anganwari Workers Rs. 6000, Anganwari Sahayikas Rs. 4600, ASHA Workers Rs. 4700, Silai Teachers Rs. 7850, Mid-Day Meal Workers Rs. 3400 and Water Carriers in Education Department Rs. 3800. He said that this decision of the State Government would provide much needed relief to the women.
Chief Minister also released magazine Tejashvini brought out by IT Head Varsha Thakur.
Chief Minister honoured women achievers who excelled in various fields. Urban Development Minister Suresh Bhardwaj said that fifty per cent reservation was provided to the women in PRIs and ULBs by the BJP Government in the State. He said that the Triple Talaak practice has been abolished by the Narendra Modi Government to give relief to Muslim women. He said that present State Government also started Savitri Devi Phule examination Centres in the state for facilitating women candidates. He said that honorarium of ASHA workers and Anganwari workers have been enhanced considerably by the Chief Minister in the next financial year's budget.
National General Secretary BJP Mahila Morcha Dipti Rawat said that the double engine Government at the Centre and the State has ensured balanced and fast development of the State. She said that women must ensure that whatever they desire must strive hard to achieve the same. She also felt the need for active involvement of women in the process of development. She said that women also played an important role in bringing the BJP back in power in four States for which assembly elections were held recently. She said that each and every office bearer of the Mahila Morcha should effectively disseminate the policies and programmes of the State Government in the right perspective. She said that the Mahila Morcha must also do some innovative activities for women empowerment. She said that the beneficiaries of various government schemes must be associated with the organization.
State BJP Mahila Morcha President Rashim Dhar Sood welcomed the Chief Minister and other dignitaries present on the occasion. She said that during the Corona pandemic, the State BJP Mahila Morcha ensure that everyone in the State gets face masks to protect themselves from the deadly virus.
President Shimla district BJP Mahila Morcha Anila presented vote of thanks. State Women Commission Chairperson Dr. Daizy Thakur, General Secretary State Child Welfare Council Payal Vaidya and General Secretary State Mahila Morcha Vandana Guleria, were present on the occasion among others.