Patna, March 8 (ABN) On the occasion of International Women's Day, the Women and Child Development Corporation, Social Welfare Department, Government of Bihar, organized a program titled "Empowered Women, Prosperous Bihar" at Gyan Bhavan, Patna. The objective of the program was to raise awareness about measures related to the protection, respect, and empowerment of women and to honor influential women. The program began with the flag-off of the Pink Bus Service. On this occasion, Madan Sahni, Minister of Social Welfare Department, Government of Bihar, flagged off 18 pink buses operating in Patna, Purnia, Bhagalpur, Gaya, and Muzaffarpur. Information related to the 181 women's helpline, which is run for the protection of women, has been displayed on these buses, increasing awareness about the helpline among women.

The honorable minister, Backward and Extremely Backward Classes Welfare Department, Ms. Rama Nishad, was the special guest at the event, while Secretary, Social Welfare Department, Ms. Bandana Preyashi, presided over the ceremony. On this occasion, the "Bihar Shakti Portal" was launched to provide a platform for sharing the stories of women. This portal is a digital platform for women to share inspiring life stories, document social and professional achievements, and inspire other women. The portal has a simple process for collecting stories and provides information about women's rights, government schemes, and support services. Through this portal, women from across the state can share their experiences and achievements on a large scale and encourage others to become empowered and self-reliant.

During the event, eleven additional One-Stop Centers (OSCs) were also inaugurated. These centers have been established in Muzaffarpur, Gaya, East Champaran, West Champaran, Purnia, Katihar, Rohtas, Madhubani, Kaimur, Aurangabad, and Jamui districts. Currently, 39 OSCs are operational in the state, providing integrated support to women affected by violence. A free health check-up and counseling camp for women and adolescent girls was also organized at the event venue. On this occasion, a draft of guidelines for the elimination of child marriage was also released.

At the event, several influential women, including Pooja, Riteeka, Kumal, Roshni Parveen, Kanchan Kumari, Amrita Kumari, Beauty Kumari, Kajal, Alisha, and Greema Lohia, were awarded the "Bihar Aparajita Samman". Greema Lohia, who secured the second position in the 2022 civil services examination and is currently serving as Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) Barh, has set an inspiring example for young women.

On this occasion, Joint Secretary of the Social Welfare Department, Mr. Yogesh Sagar, Administrative Officer Manjusha Chandra, Deputy Secretary and Nodal Officer Ms. Murgan Sinha, Banko Bahari and Rubina Parveen from UNICEF, Rashmi, Raj Shree, Mehars, Mamta, Jenat, Tanu, and other officers and employees of the Women and Child Development Corporation were present.