- Chief Minister addresses Nari Shakti Vandan Sammelan
- CM interacts with women associated with NRLM
- Loans worth Rs 54.25 crore distributed among women self-help groups
By Our Correspondent
Gorakhpur: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath emphasized on Thursday the pivotal role of women’s self-reliance in fostering a strong society. He highlighted that in societies where women are empowered, progress becomes inevitable.
Addressing the Nari Shakti Vandan Sammelan at Yogiraj Baba Gambhirnath Auditorium, the Chief Minister said, “In the year 2047, when the country completes its 100th year of independence, we will get a ‘Viksit Bharat’ with half of the population experiencing empowerment. The government will make efforts at every level for women’s empowerment so that their safety, respect, and self-reliance are ensured.”
During the event, he engaged with beneficiary women associated with the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) and disbursed part-time loans amounting to Rs 54 crore 25 lakh to 3617 self-help groups. The Chief Minister emphasized that by empowering half of the population, the government can propel the nation to new heights of development.
“The government assures all women of its unwavering commitment to protecting their interests and taking the benefits of government schemes to all the needy people diligently and with utmost responsibility,” he affirmed.
Highlighting Prime Minister Modi’s vision for women’s respect and safety, he pointed out that women in Gorakhpur are leading self-reliant lives through self-help groups, NGOs, and the National Rural Livelihood Mission.
CM Yogi underscored the significance of the Nari Shakti Vandan Act passed during the Lok Sabha session recently. This act aims to enhance women’s representation in the Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabha, providing them with 33 percent reservation without discrimination. Previously, the representation of women in these Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabhas was disproportionately low, but now, with this reservation, they will have a fairer representation, he stated.
Highlighting Prime Minister Modi’s initiatives for women’s empowerment, the Chief Minister emphasized, “Women have been at the forefront of initiatives like Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao, and Matru Vandana Yojana. Following the Prime Minister’s vision, every woman and farmer now receives benefits of the government’s schemes without discrimination.”
He highlighted, “Those without housing face significant challenges, with women often bearing a greater burden. Through the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Rural), the government has extended housing benefits to 61,556 beneficiaries in Gorakhpur alone. Additionally, under Mukhyamantri Awas Yojana, housing benefits have been provided to 38,866 people in Gorakhpur.”
Furthermore, the Chief Minister noted the significant impact of the National Rural Livelihood Mission, with 20,847 self-help groups formed in Gorakhpur, involving over 3 lakh 5 thousand women. Various pension schemes have also been instrumental in supporting women, with 63,563 benefiting from the Destitute Women Pension Scheme, 54,062 from Old Age Pension, and 6,094 from the Divyangjan Pension Scheme.
Under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, 2 lakh 91 thousand women have received free gas connections whereas 56 self-help groups, involving 438 women, run ration shops. Additionally, the Chief Minister highlighted the Kanya Sumangala Yojana, which provides financial assistance for girls’ education from birth to graduation, with the amount set to be increased to Rs 25 thousand from April onwards, benefiting over 17 lakh daughters.
On this occasion, MP Ravikishan Shukla and Mahanagar President Rajesh Gupta also addressed the people. District Panchayat President Sadhna Singh, Mayor Dr. Manglesh Srivastava, Legislative Council Member Dr. Dharmendra Singh, MLA Pradeep Shukla, Vipin Singh, BJP Regional President Sahajanand Rai, District President Yudhishthir Singh, etc. participated in the programme.
