Gujarat state has taken a lead in the nation to propel women empowerment under the able leadership of Chief Minister Smt Anandiben Patel, who presented the first gender budget of the state and has launched a number of women oriented schemes during her term, Gujarat Women & Child Development Minister Smt Vasuben Trivedi said here today.
Smt Trivedi was attending the two-day National Conference of State Ministers for Women and Child Development, chaired by Union Minister of Women and Child Development Smt Maneka Sanjay Gandhi here. After the meeting, the Gujarat Minister who was accompanied by a team led by Ms Anuradha Mall, Secretary Women & Child Development, said that a record number of 593 schemes related to women empowerment, worth Rs 2,436 crore, were incorporated in the State Budget 2014-15. Out of which 132 schemes provide 100 percent allocation for women while 461 schemes have allocations for women in various proportions towards special requirements of women and girls for education, health, nutrition, skill enhancement and economic empowerment.
Smt Trivedi apprised that Gujarat state observed “Mahila Sashakti Karan Pakhvadiyu” from August 1-15, 2015 as women empowerment fortnight so as to create an atmosphere of pride and self respect for women in the state.
The state has already set a benchmark in the country by providing 33 per cent quota to women in state police force, she said.
The Gujarat Minister also informed the gathering about the expansion of 181 Abhayam Helpline, which provides information, guidance and support to women in distress, in the entire state.
Smt Vasuben Trivedi shared success stories of Mission Mangalam scheme being implemented in Gujarat to strengthen various Sakhi Mandals (Self-Help Groups) who have been earning their livelihoods, resulting in better living conditions for themselves and their families. She said that Gujarat Government is committed in empowering more and more women by motivating them to form Sakhi Mandals. Even in small villages and tribal homes, focus has been laid on providing women financial assistance for cattle-rearing activities, forming milk-cooperatives, horticulture activities etc.
