By Pervez Bari, TwoCircles.net
Bhopal: Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has conferred the Rajmata Vijayaraje Scindia social service award and Rani Avantibai bravery award on Mrs. Manorama Joshi of Indore and Miss Anita Lodhi of Panna respectively.
The state-level awards introduced by the Woman and Child Development Department, (WCDD), were presented in a programme held at RCVP Naronha Academy of Administration and Management here. The awards carrying cash of Rs. one lakh each have been conferred first time in the state. Also, a shawl, coconut and memento besides cash reward were presented to the awardees on the occasion.
Chouhan reiterated that all the necessary and possible efforts are being made by the state government for women empowerment in the state and these efforts will be continued. The state government is taking special measures for the welfare of the women working in the unorganised sector. A scheme towards medical treatment, leave during delivery, scholarship for children of labourers and education facilities is being implemented for agriculture and women labourers from Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya Jayanti i.e. September 25.
He Chouhan observed that women participation in nation’s development is significant which cannot be overlooked at any cost. Implementation of women reservation in local urban bodies and panchayats would provide a totally new dimension to the women empowerment. He further observed that the state government is confident that Madhya Pradesh would achieve top position in the country very soon and it would be acknowledged as the important state working innovatively in the field of women empowerment in the entire country.
Chouhan mentioned that contributions of Rajmata Vijayaraje Scindia in the field of social service are incomparable. Similarly, Rani Avantibai laid her life displaying courage and valiant while participating in the freedom struggle. The state government has instituted these awards for women and brave girls to honour the contributions of Rajmata Vijayaraje Scindia and Rani Avantibai. While, lauding the contribution of Mrs. Joshi and Miss Anita, Chouhan complimented them for receiving the awards.
The Minister for WCDD Ms Kusum Mehdele said that a decision to recognise the bravery act of women was taken last year by the government. Opportunities for development are being provided to the women in various fields in the state. As many as new 10,000 aaganwadis are being started by this month end.
While addressing the function, the minister of state for WCDD Gangaram Patel mentioned that commitment of women towards society would be encouraged by these awards.
The chairperson of Madhya Pradesh Economic Development Corporation Anju Baghel was present as the special guest in the programme. The programme was conducted by Ms Pratima Parmar.
Mrs. Joshi gave a detailed account of activities being undertaken for the welfare of the women of the unorganised sector. The principal secretary of the WCDD Prashant Mehta informed about the new awards and departmental activities on the occasion. Akhilesh Shrivatava proposed a vote of thanks. The director of WCDD Mrs. Kalpana Shrivastava, office-bearers of various women organisations and workers were present in the programme. ([email protected])