Gender inclusion is driving factor for social progress and economic growth: Himachal CM

Shimla, March 8, 2022: Sustainable economic growth is unthinkable without women empowerment, and measures for gender inclusion is the driving factor for social progress and economic growth of any nation. This was stated by the Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur while presiding over the State level function at Jogindernagar in Mandi district today on the occasion of International Women’s Day today.

Jai Ram Thakur said that the State Government was committed towards women empowerment alongwith gender equality and has taken several steps in this direction. He said that a separate Gender Budget Statement containing details of all major schemes devoted to women welfare and empowerment have been presented in the Budget for the financial year 2022-23. He said the Gender Budget Statement would be helpful in monitoring schemes being implemented for women empowerment and will also help in reviewing them in consultation with women beneficiaries of these schemes.

Chief Minister said that the State Government has decided to provide social security pension to all in the age group 60 years without any income limit. He said that Grihini Suvidha Yojna was started in the first budget of the present State Government to provide free gas connection to needy families. He said that over 3.25 lakh free gas connections were provided under this scheme. He said that girl of BPL families were being provided Rs 31,000 as Shagun at the time of their marriage under the Shagun Yojna. He said that under Mukhyamantri Swavalamban Yojna 35 per cent subsidy would be provided to women entrepreneurs.

Jai Ram Thakur said that monthly honorarium of Anganwadi workers, Anganwadi Assistant and Asha worker have been increased considerably. He said that sewing teachers, mid-day meal workers, Water Carrier (Education Department), Jal Rakshak, Multi Purpose Workers, Para fitters and Pump Operators have also been increased significantly. He said that the Anganwadi Workers would now get Rs.9,000, Mini Anganwari Workers Rs.6,000, Anganwari Sahayikas Rs.4,600, Asha Workers Rs.4,700, Silai Teachers Rs.7,850, Mid-Day Meal Workers Rs.3,400, Water Carriers in Education Department Rs.3,800, Water Guards Rs.4,400, Multi-Purpose Workers of Jal Shakti Vibhag Rs.3,800, Para Fitters and Pump Operators Rs.5,400 as per month honorarium. He said that daily wages of daily wagers have been increased by Rs 50 per day to Rs 350 per day. He said that with this every daily wagers would get Rs 1500 additional per month.

Chief Minister said that the women constitutes about 50 percent of our society and women play the most important role in making a strong and vibrant society. He said that women always had top place in our culture and society. He said that during the Covid-19 pandemic women played a major role in checking spread of this virus as lakh of masks were prepared by Mahila Mandals and Women Self Help Groups. He said that 50 per cent reservation was provided in PRIs to the women in the State when he was Panchayati Raj

Minister of the State. He said that there was almost no area and sphere where women has not excelled.

Jai Ram Thakur announced opening of Veterinary Hospital at Seru in Gram Panchayat Jalpehar and announced that Ultra Sound Machines would be provided in Civil Hospitals at Jogindernagar and Ladbadhol. He said that a multi-storeyed parking would be constructed at Jogindernagar to facilitate the people. He said that Government Middle School Yora would be upgraded to Government High School.

Chief Minister also participated in ‘Ann Prashan programme’ by administering ‘Ann’ to an infant.

Jai Ram Thakur also gave away prizes to the women achievers of different fields. He honoured Sheetal Verma of Hamirpur district for education, Khushbu Bhardwaj of Kullu district for women empowerment, Shweta Sharma of Kullu district for promotion of art and culture, Rekha Sharma of Hamirpur district for social and child welfare, Sangeeta Khurana of Shimla district for Nasha Niwaran, Kanchan Kumari of Chamba district for her outstanding contribution in Aadhar registration and Neena Awasthi of Kangra district for her excellent work in covid-19 pandemic.

Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Sarveen Chaudhary said that it was the BJP Government in the State that provided 50 per cent reservation in PRIs and ULBs for women to ensure their participation in process of development. She said that today women were excelling in all spheres of life and making the family, State and Nation proud. She said that soon after assuming the office, Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur started ‘Gudiya Helpline’ to provide assistance to women at the time of distress.

MLA Jogindernagar Prakash Rana while welcoming the Chief Minister in his home constituency, thanked the Chief Minister for organizing the International Women Day at Jogindernagar. He said that the decision of the Chief Minister to provide social security pension to all above the age of 60 years was indeed a historic decision. He also urged the Chief Minister to provide two ultra sound machines at Civil Hospitals at Jogindernagar and Ladbadol and parking facility at Jogindernagar.

Member Railway Board Pankaj Jamwal said that all-round development of the society without welfare and upliftment of the women was impossible. He said that the present State Government headed by the Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur was committed for the welfare and empowerment of the women. He said that several schemes have been started for socio-economic upliftment of the women folk. He also urged the Chief Minister to provide Ultra sound machines in Jogindernagar hospital.

Director Social Justice and Empowerment Rakhi Kahlon welcomed the Chief Minister and other dignitaries present on the occasion.

Aanganwadi Workers, Asha workers, representatives of Mahila Mandals were present on the occasion.