Dehradun: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami honored 13 women achievers with the prestigious Teelu Rauteli State Award and 33 Anganwadi workers with the Excellent Service Award at a grand ceremony held at the IRDT Auditorium, Survey Chowk, Dehradun.
Tribute to Teelu Rauteli’s Legacy
Paying homage to the legendary warrior Teelu Rauteli, who fought bravely at just 15 years of age, CM Dhami said she is rightly remembered as the “Rani of Jhansi of Uttarakhand.” He highlighted her extraordinary courage and valor, setting an inspiration for women across generations.
Women Empowerment and Policy Reforms
The CM emphasized that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Nari Tu Narayani”, both the Centre and the state are committed to women’s empowerment. He cited several initiatives:
- 33% reservation for women in Parliament and state assemblies.
- Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao, Ujjwala Yojana, Lakpati Didi scheme for economic upliftment.
- Abolishment of triple talaq, ensuring social justice for Muslim women.
- In Uttarakhand, 30% reservation for women in state government jobs and the historic implementation of the Uniform Civil Code (UCC).
Economic & Social Initiatives for Women
- CM Laghu Udyog Protsahan Yojana and Entrepreneurship Development Programme to promote self-reliance.
- Interest-free loans up to ₹5 lakh for Women Self-Help Groups (SHGs).
- Award money increased: Teelu Rauteli Award from ₹31,000 to ₹51,000; Anganwadi Award from ₹21,000 to ₹51,000.
Strengthening Anganwadi Workers
The CM praised Anganwadi workers’ crucial role in children’s early education and cultural upbringing, sharing that even his own children received their first lessons at an Anganwadi center. He announced enhanced honorariums:
- Anganwadi workers: ₹9,300 (up from ₹7,500).
- Mini Anganwadi workers: ₹6,250 (up from ₹4,500).
- Helpers: ₹5,250 (up from ₹3,550).
He also announced provisions for promotions to supervisory posts.
Women’s Role in Uttarakhand’s Growth
CM Dhami noted that products made by SHGs under the House of Himalayas brand are competing with multinational companies, proving women’s potential. He recalled PM Modi’s words from Kedarnath that “the third decade of the 21st century belongs to Uttarakhand”, highlighting that women’s groups will play a key role in this transformation.
Award Recipients
The 13 women who received the Teelu Rauteli Award 2025 are:
Meeta Upadhyay (Almora), Alisha Manral (Bageshwar), Surbhi (Chamoli), Anamika Bisht (Champawat), Shivani Gupta (Dehradun), Ruma Devi (Haridwar), Naina (Nainital), Roshma Devi (Pauri Garhwal), Rekha Bhatt (Pithoragarh), Hema Negi Karasi (Rudraprayag), Sakshi Chauhan (Tehri Garhwal), Rekha (Udham Singh Nagar), and Vijaylaxmi Joshi (Uttarkashi).
Ministerial Support
Women Empowerment Minister Rekha Arya praised the government’s initiatives under CM Dhami’s leadership, especially the historic enhancement of Anganwadi workers’ honorarium. The event was attended by MLAs, senior officials, awardees, and a large number of women from across the state.
