Patna, Sep 19 :(ABN) Chief Minister Samrat Chaudhary has said that women in Bihar are rapidly moving towards self-sufficiency and their increasing economic, social and political participation is an important aspect of the changing image of the state. Empowerment of women is the basic condition of Bihar's prosperity. The Chief Minister on Saturday inaugurated the Silver Jubilee function of Bihar State Women's Commission on the occasion of its 25th foundation day at Bapu Sabhagarh, Samrat Ashok Convention Centre. A short film based on the 25-year journey of the commission was presented on the occasion. The Chief Minister also issued a commemorative booklet along with issuing a special stamp on the Women's Commission with the support of the Department of Posts. Addressing the function, Samrat Chaudhary said that giving 50% reservation to women in Panchayati Raj institutions and urban local bodies has given new strength to their political partnership. He said that Jiveka has played an important role in the economic empowerment of women. The government is providing financial support, training and employment opportunities, enabling women to become self-sufficient by engaging in various activities including sewing, poultry and goat rearing.
He said that the government's target is to connect one crore women with direct employment. Under the Poshaak project, instead of giving money directly to the students, arrangements are being made to provide garments made by Jeevika didis, which will create more employment opportunities for women. The Chief Minister said that various incentive schemes are being run at matric, intermediate and graduation levels to promote the education of girl students. Help is also being provided to students preparing for competitive exams. Under the Balika PhD Fellowship, a target of 10,000 rupees per month has been set to provide financial assistance to 1,000 female students for higher education and research. Work is also underway to establish an exclusive university for women to widen the scope of higher education for women.
Referring to the security of women, Samrat Chaudhary said that 'police didi' has been arranged in the state. Women police officers are being deployed around schools, colleges and other educational institutions to protect the students. According to him, Bihar is the first state in the country to have such an arrangement. The Chief Minister asked the Bihar State Women's Commission not to limit itself to redressal of grievances, but also to give regular suggestions to the government to improve the condition of women. He emphasized on the active role of the commission in establishing better coordination among women public representatives and empowering women socially, economically and politically. He congratulated all the women members of the commission on its 25th foundation day and expressed hope that the commission will continue to work till its golden jubilee to connect women with the mainstream of development, protect their rights and respect. Apsara also spoke. Ministers of the state government, public representatives, senior officers, officials of the postal department, women associated with women commission and a large number of women and common people from different districts were present on this occasion.