SHIMLA-22 January, 2025-Health, Social Justice and Empowerment Dr. (Col) Dhani Ram Shandil today here said that the state government has initiated various welfare schemes for the women folk and was committed to empower them by providing them equal opportunities in all spheres besides reaching out the welfare schemes to them. He was speaking at an event organized to commemorate 10 years of the 'Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao' scheme. The programme was aimed at empowering and uplifting women and would continue till 8 March, 2025.

He said that women empowerment was crucial for building a strong Nation. "Where women are respected, the divine resides and such a society prospers and excels in every field", he said.

He emphasized for educating daughters and said that ensuring their economic independence was our priority. He outlined several schemes being implemented in the state to support women empowerment. These include the Indira Gandhi Sukh-Samman Nidhi Yojana under which eligible women were being provided Rs. 1,500 per month and initiatives like Mukhyamantri Kanyadan Yojana, Mukhyamantri Shagun Yojana, Mahila Swarojgar Yojana, and Vidvah Punarvivah Yojana which have been successfully implemented in the state.

Sh. Shandil said the initiatives like DHEE (Daughters Helping Empowering the Economy), ‘Dena Hai Ek Inaam -Beti Ke Naam’ and ‘Mhari Chhoti-Mhari Shaan’ have also been started with an aim to identify and honour daughters who have achieved significant milestones despite facing poverty or hardships. By recognizing their achievements, the government aims to inspire other women to set high goals and achieve success through hard work and determination.

Health Minister recalled Chief Minister's commitment to the welfare of children. On his first day as a Chief Minister, he visited the Balika Ashram in Tutikandi, where he assured the girls of the state government’s support and promised to fulfill the responsibilities of a parent. For this the Chief Minister Sukh-Aashray Yojana was launched, under which the state has adopted 6,000 destitute children as "Children of the State".

The Minister also expressed concern over the rising drug abuse in the state. He said that drug abuse was a significant challenge to society. He praised the efforts of the state government to combat this issue and encouraged women to actively participate in eradicating this social evil.

During the programme the Health Minister honoured meritorious girls from the 10th and 12th standards and other successful women from various sections of society, celebrating their achievements and contributions to society.

Heath Minister gave away certificates to parents of girl child as part of the Beti Janmotsav (Daughter Birth Celebration). A parade showcasing women empowerment was also organised by young girls during the event.

A session was held on Pre Conception (PC) Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PNDT) Act to aware among women about its provisions. Additionally, children from the Shishu Greh (Child Care Home) recited poems and administered the Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao pledge to the attendees.

Secretary for Social Justice and Empowerment, Ashish Singhmar, welcomed Dr. (Col) Dhani Ram Shandil and highlighted that various schemes started for welfare and upliftment of women.

Director WCD Gandharva Rathore, girls and their parents from various districts and senior officials from the departments were present on the occasion.