CM Chouhan makes announcements promoting women empowerment at grand function on International Women’s Day

Bhopal : Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has said that widow marriages will also be solemnised under Mukhyamantri Kanya Vivah Yojana to promote marriages of widows. For this, Rs. 2 lakh each would be sanctioned. He also announced to open Usha Kiran Centres in every district to prevent violence against women. CM Shri Chouhan made these announcements at a grand function on International Women’s Day at Ravindra Bhavan here today.

Reiterating state government’s commitment to women’s economic empowerment, Chouhan said that a convention of women’s SHGs would be convened soon. Arrangements of complaint boxes will be made in schools and colleges as part of measures to curb eve-teasing. Complaints lodged by girls will be opened before Child Rights Protection Commission and other competent authorities and strict action taken on them. Chouhan also announced to make arrangements to impart training of driving to members of Shaurya Dals. Arrangements for self-defence training to girls will also be made in schools and colleges.

Chief Minister called for turning Beti Bachao Andolan into a popular movement. He urged citizens to print message of Beti Bachao on wedding invitation cards. He said that woman is not weak, but strong. Daughters are second to none. They can touch sky if given a little help. Impressed by Ganesh Vandana presentation by 6-year-old Avani Rawat of Gwalior, Chouhan announced Rs. 25 thousand for her.

Chouhan said that woman has been regarded as the most venerable in Indian tradition. She is a symbol of power as well as motherly affection. A lot of women’s empowerment works have been taken in the state during last one decade and even more are to be done. He called for launching a movement to bring a positive change in the mindset of society towards girls. This work should be done jointly by government and society. He said that a day will come in the society when people will pray to God for daughters. Chouhan said that Beti Bachao Abhiyan was launched from Bhind a decade ago. Since then, considerable change has been witnessed. However, the campaign should continue for complete transformation.

Chouhan said that strong movement should also be launched against the people who portray girls and women in objectionable manner in society. Chouhan said that except Forest Department, women have been given 33 percent reservation in recruitments of all departments. Arrangements will also be made to impart training to them for police recruitment. A scheme is also being chalked out to bear expenses on girls’ education.

Giving information about departmental schemes, Women & Child Development Minister Maya Singh said that women are constantly getting empowered socially, economically and politically in the state. She said that a positive change has come in people’s mindset towards girls during last one decade.

Higher Education Minister Umashankar Gupta said that Madhya Pradesh is creating history in women’s empowerment efforts. Society’s mindset has changed considerably during last ten years.

Principal Secretary Women & Child Development J.N. Kansotiya said that Madhya Pradesh was the first state to launch Beti Bachao Abhiyan. Now a campaign is going on for women’s economic empowerment. He said that programmes based on Women Policy are being chalked out. He highlighted progress of departmental schemes. A documentary film focusing on measures and innovations for women’s empowerment during last one decade was also screened. The Chief Minister also launched website of Anmol-2.

The Chief Minister conferred Shri Vishnu Kumar Samman-2015 to Shri Jamunalal Bairagi of Rajgarh and Mukhya Mantri Nari Samman Raksha Puraskar to Sushri Anita Ram of Seoni. The Chief Minister also felicitated members of Lado Abhiyan and Sharuya Dal. Dewas District Women’s Empowerment Officer Smt. Neelam Sood was felicitated for excellent works under Lado Abhiyan. Ujjain, Jabalpur, Indore and Gwalior divisions were conferred awards for year 2015 for effective implementation of departmental schemes. Similarly, Mandsaur, Dhar, Shivpuri, Vidisha, Shajapur, Sidhi, Chhindwara, Katni, Betul, Anuppur and Rewa districts were also felicitated.

Chairman of Child Rights Protection Commission Shri Raghavendra Sharma, former CM Shri Kailash Joshi, CM’s wife Smt. Sadhana Singh, Commissioner Women’s Empowerment Smt. Kalpana Shrivastava, Commissioner Integrated Child Development Scheme Smt. Pushpalata Singh and large number of girls and women were present on the occasion.