Society and Government Should Work Unitedly for Women Empowerment: CM

Bhopal: Addressing a grand celebration at the Vidhan Sabha today on the occasion of International Women’s Day Chief Minister Mr. Shivraj Singh Chouhan said that both the society and the government must work together for women empowerment. Daughters, sisters and mothers have been accorded the highest status in India. It is our culture to honour and respect women. Instead of celebrating Women’s Day once a year, every day should be dedicated to the honour of women. He extended greetings on Women’s Day to all mothers, daughters and sisters.

Mr. Chouhan said that even today the society is male dominated. He said that it is important to let women lead in every field if we want that the situation of woman has to be improved in a male dominated society. They have been given 50 per cent reservation in local units. They are running the administration skillfully. They have been given 33 per cent reservation in other government jobs including the Police Department. He said that there is need to change the mentality of people who want only baby boys to be born. Mr. Chouhan said that the male dominated mentality deeply influences the situation of women in the society. If the society does not cooperate, the government cannot do anything. It is necessary to change the mentality of the society. All will have to cooperate to put an end to domestic violence. He said that those who mistreat girls should be hanged. There should be no negligence in giving respect to women. Educated and responsible citizens must take up the responsibility of changing the society’s mentality.

Holding intoxication as the root of crimes, the Chief Minister said that de-addiction is not possible simply by constituting a law. Everyone will have to be determined only then can the state be free of addictions. Society and the government will have to walk hand-in-hand. The state government is fully committed to women empowerment. Discussing the global scenario, Assembly Speaker Mr. Sitasharan Sharma said that the Beti Bachao- Beti Padhao campaign is an initiative to recognizing and saving the Indian culture.

Women and Child Development Minister Smt. Archana Chitnis said that several unique schemes have been started for women in the state. She thanked the Chief Minister on behalf of the daughters and mothers of the state for that. She said that the financial contribution of homemaker women is much more than the annual budget of the Government of India. She said that Mahila Rozgar Melas would be organized in every district starting with Bhopal. She said that the Women and Child Development Department would work along with the Agriculture Department to make nutritious food available in every village. She said that all brothers should swear to their sisters that they would not to drink or smoke on “Raksha Bandhan”.

The Chief Minister released the “Jaag Sakhi” book, “Beti Bachao- Beti Padhao brochure” and “Nutrition calendar”. A nutrition kit was presented to the guests. SuMr. Abhiruchi Mr.vastav of Gwalior was awarded with the Rani Avantibai Courage Award of Rs one lakh for her efforts to save children and women from harassment. Mr. Vishnu Kumar Women and Child Welfare award was provided to Dr. U.K. Shukla of Hoshangabad. Master Akshat Jha of Satna was honoured for making a film based on efforts for saving daughters.

Districts Felicitated

Collectors and Commissioners of the districts who have made special efforts in improving gender ratio also and achieved success were felicitated on the occasion. The first prize of Rs one lakh was awarded to Morena district, second prize of Rs 60,000 to Gwalior and third prize of Rs 30,000 to Balaghat district. SuMr. Suchita Vyas of Guna was honoured for her musical composition on “Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao”.

Principal Secretary Women and Child Development Mr. J.N. Kansotia spoke on the situation of women. Commissioner Women Empowerment Smt. Jaishree Kiyawat proposed the vote of thanks. Deputy Speaker Assembly Mr. Rajendra Singh, Minister of State for Backward Class and Minority Welfare Smt. Lalita Yadav and Leader of the Opposition Mr. Ajay Singh were also present in the programme.-WTN