Shadow Correspondent
JAMMU, APR 20:
Women empowerment plays a key factor in achieving economic growth and social development and without it, the agenda of sustainable development cannot be fulfilled. The Minister of State for Education, Tourism and Culture, Priya Sethi stated this on the sidelines of distribution of free gas connections to eligible women beneficiaries hailing from BPL and SC/ST families on the occasion of Ujjwala Divas under the aegis of Gram Swaraj Abhiyan at Ranjeet Pur here today.
Speaking on the occasion, the Minister said that the government has launched various welfare schemes aiming towards empowering women and their welfare is a constant part of the national and the state schemes and policies.
“Earlier, women folk was overlooked but now there is growing emphasis on incorporating women’s concerns, their voices were being heard and they are recognized as nation builders and flag bearers of nation’s development,” the Minister affirmed.
The Minister also informed the gathering regarding the welfare schemes launched by the government and asked them to avail their benefits. Priya Sethi said the government has launched Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao to generate awareness and improve the efficiency of welfare services intended for girls. Ladli Beti scheme was launched to arrest the declining female sex ratio and reduce the financial burden of the girl’s parents, she said, adding that the scheme further intends to ensure that the girl child does not become a burden for the parent or guardian at the time of her marriage. Priya Sethi asked the women who have experienced the benefits of cooking with LPG to boost the confidence of other women about adopting this clean, green cooking fuel safely and without any reservations or misconceptions as sharing of experiences by actual users and learning through peer group interaction is the main aim of LPG Panchayats. The Minister also showed her concerns over the issues and problems faced by the border area residents.
Later, the Minister also visited Government Primary School, Ranjeet Pur and directed for upgradation of school infrastructure and ensuring clean sanitation in the school premises.
