Jaipur, April 13 (IANS) Rajasthan Chief Minister, Bhajanlal Sharma asserted that women are not only capable of governance but can often excel at it. He remarked that if women can efficiently manage households, they are equally competent to govern the nation with vision and responsibility.

CM Sharma was addressing women from diverse fields at a programme held at the Chief Minister’s residence on Sunday, where he highlighted the significance of the ‘Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam’ (Women’s Reservation Act), passed under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

He described the legislation as a historic and visionary reform aimed at enhancing women’s representation in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies.

The Chief Minister stated that the Act provides for one-third reservation for women in both Houses, which will significantly increase their participation in policymaking.

He emphasised that this step will ensure women’s active involvement in achieving the vision of a Developed India by 2047.

He also urged women to play a proactive role in spreading awareness about the Act across society.

CM Sharma noted that since 2014, several major initiatives have been launched by the Central government focussing on women’s dignity, safety, and empowerment.

He said that schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana, Lakhpati Didi, Ujjwala Yojana, Jan Dhan Yojana, Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao, and the Swachh Bharat Mission have benefitted a large number of women across the country.

He added that both the Central and Rajasthan governments are consistently working towards strengthening women’s socio-economic status through targeted welfare measures.

Highlighting Rajasthan’s initiatives, the Chief Minister said women are excelling in fields such as sports, Defence, entrepreneurship, science, education, and the arts, bringing pride to both the state and the nation.

He noted that schemes like the Lado Protsahan Yojana are supporting young girls, while the Maa Voucher Scheme is providing pregnant women with access to free sonography services.

Additionally, over 1.6 million women in the state have become ‘Lakhpati Didis,’ reflecting growing financial independence among women. Sharma further stated that the Kalika Patrolling Unit has been established and is functioning effectively to enhance women’s safety.

The Chief Minister’s Nari Shakti Udyam Protsahan Yojana is promoting women entrepreneurship, while the Dugdha Utpadak Sambal Yojana is empowering women in the dairy sector through a subsidy of five rupees per litre.

Sharma also highlighted broader development efforts, stating that the ‘Rising Rajasthan Global Investment Summit’ has attracted investment proposals worth Rs 3.5 trillion, with projects worth around Rs 900 billion already under implementation. He added that the HPCL Rajasthan Refinery project will accelerate industrial development in the state.

Furthermore, the completion of Phase 2 of the Jaipur Metro will provide women with safer and more convenient transportation options.

During the programme, women were given detailed information about various Central and State government schemes aimed at empowerment and inclusive development.

The event saw participation from women representing diverse sectors, including the Department of Women and Child Development, the Chief Minister’s Office, industry bodies such as FICCI and CII, as well as professionals from education, media, healthcare, law enforcement, social work, and digital platforms.

–IANS

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