Empowerment of women JK Govt's topmost agenda, claims CM

Srinagar, Nov 06: Listing women empowerment as one of the top agendas of the State Government, Chief Minister, Mehbooba Mufti, today said the female folk are important stakeholders in making Jammu and Kashmir a peaceful and progressive State.

“Women have huge stakes in peace as they are the first casualty of any trauma or violence. Also, the brunt of the societal losses is borne more by the women than the men. In our world which is full of chaos, investments must be made to empower women. If you empower a girl or a woman, you are empowering the entire nation,” Mufti said.

The Chief Minister was speaking during two separate functions at SKICC in Srinagar and Dak Bungalow Baramulla while launching ‘Empowering the Girl Child' scheme. Ahead of her speech, Mufti handed over keys of scooters to 300 girl students of Government Colleges for Women MA Road and Nawa Kadal College in Srinagar and 150 students of Government Women's College Baramulla. Under the scheme, the Government provides subsidy on scooters for meritorious girl students.

Noting that women in our society struggle throughout their life starting right from their birth and have to face various difficulties, the Chief Minister said that this scheme is part of an endeavour of the State Government to empower the girl child and to facilitate her independent mobility. She said under the scheme the State Government will facilitate 50% sponsorship of the cost of Scooty for college going girls in the State. These vehicles,will enable girl's independence of mobility and at the same time promote confidence in them, she added.

The Chief Minister reiterated her Government's commitment to work for the safety, development and empowerment of J&K's womenfolk and added that this scheme will not only help girls in commuting but will also bring in her courage, self confidence and a feeling of self dependence. She added that the scheme was supposed to be launched in the Kashmir valley in the month of July, however due to the unfortunate situation it was delayed.

Referring to the education sector, the Chief Minister said that it has suffered the most during the recent turmoil and added that while people who can afford shall manage the education of their children outside the state, however the students from poor families have suffered massive academic loss. She further said that even those who can afford also think twice in case of female child, who ultimately suffers again.