Dehradun: Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Monday said women’s empowerment is central to the state’s development and stressed that the government is working to provide women with greater opportunities in employment, entrepreneurship, leadership and decision-making.
Dhami made the remarks while participating in a women’s dialogue programme organised in Bhauwalla, Dehradun, on the occasion of the Teej festival. He interacted with women at the event, listened to their expectations and suggestions, and felicitated women who have made notable contributions in different fields.
The Chief Minister said government policies become more effective when they incorporate people’s experiences and views. He described Uttarakhand’s women as the state’s biggest strength for development and reiterated the government’s commitment to building a “Sashakt Nari-Samriddh Uttarakhand” (Empowered Women, Prosperous Uttarakhand).
CM Dhami Says Women Are Driving Uttarakhand’s Development
CM Pushkar Singh Dhami said women in Uttarakhand are increasingly moving beyond traditional household responsibilities and becoming active participants in economic and social development.
He highlighted their growing involvement in:
- Self-help groups
- Self-employment
- Agriculture and horticulture
- Homestays
- Entrepreneurship
- Local products
- Technology-based activities
Dhami said the government’s objective is not limited to providing women with benefits under welfare schemes. The focus is also on providing them with opportunities, recognition, leadership roles and greater participation in decision-making.
He also highlighted the important role played by women during the Uttarakhand statehood movement and in the state’s development journey.
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2.65 Lakh Women Become ‘Lakhpati Didis’
The Chief Minister highlighted several initiatives aimed at improving women’s economic empowerment.
According to state government figures, more than 2.65 lakh women in Uttarakhand have become ‘Lakhpati Didis’.
Dhami said thousands of women have been connected with employment and self-employment through various state government programmes, while lakhs of women are building livelihoods through self-help groups.
He said these initiatives are aimed at making women active participants in the state’s economic growth.
30% Reservation for Women in Government Jobs
CM Dhami said the Uttarakhand government has taken several steps to increase women’s participation in employment and public institutions.
The state has provided:
- 30% horizontal reservation for women in government jobs
- 33% horizontal reservation in cooperative societies
He said schemes such as the Ekal Mahila Swarozgar Yojana, Mukhyamantri Mahila Satat Aajeevika Yojana, Mukhyamantri Swarozgar Yojana and Lakhpati Didi programme are helping women access employment and self-employment opportunities.
Focus on Women’s Entrepreneurship and Technology
Dhami said the government is working to provide women with wider markets and new economic opportunities.
Platforms such as House of Himalayas are being developed to provide broader markets for products made by women.
He also highlighted initiatives including:
- Drone Didi
- Solar Sakhi
- Mahila Sarathi
These initiatives aim to connect women with technology, entrepreneurship and emerging economic opportunities.
The Chief Minister said women are increasingly participating in activities ranging from traditional livelihoods to technology-driven enterprises.
Central Schemes Giving New Momentum to Women’s Empowerment
CM Dhami highlighted several initiatives of the Central Government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi that have contributed to women’s empowerment.
These include:
- Ujjwala Yojana
- Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana
- Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao
- Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana
- Mudra Yojana
- Stand-Up India
- Lakhpati Didi
- Mission Shakti
- One Stop Centres
- Women Helpline
Dhami said the objective of such initiatives is to establish women as equal participants in development and as an important force in the economy.
Government Prioritising Women’s Health and Welfare
The Chief Minister said women’s health, welfare and dignity remain key priorities for the Uttarakhand government.
He referred to several state initiatives, including:
- Eja-Boi Shagun
- Mahalakshmi Kit
- Nutrition programmes
- Nanda Gaura Yojana
- Increased honorarium for Anganwadi and ASHA workers
- Old-age pensions
- Widow pensions
- Free pilgrimage services for senior citizens
Dhami said these initiatives reflect the government’s commitment to ensuring that women are self-reliant, respected and empowered citizens.
CM Dhami Felicitates Women for Their Contributions
During the Teej programme, Chief Minister Dhami felicitated women who have made notable contributions in different fields.
He also urged the women attending the programme to openly share their views, suggestions and expectations with the government.
Dhami said the government would continue working to increase women’s participation in decision-making and create more opportunities for their economic and social empowerment.
He extended advance greetings to women on the occasion of Teej and Independence Day and expressed gratitude for their support and blessings.
Women’s Dialogue Programme Attended by Public Representatives
MLA Sahdev Singh Pundir, public representatives, members of women’s self-help groups, outstanding women from different fields, social workers and a large number of local residents attended the programme.
The Chief Minister said the continued participation of women in economic, social and developmental activities will play an important role in achieving the vision of a prosperous and empowered Uttarakhand.
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