Dhuri, Aug 19 (PTI) Punjab cannot become a frontrunner in the country without women’s full participation in governance, economy and politics, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said on Wednesday, emphasising that girls need to become active participants in the decision-making processes to carve out a more progressive state.
It is a matter of immense pride and satisfaction that girls were excelling in all fields today and scaling new heights in various arenas, he said.
Mann was addressing a gathering during the ‘Teeyan Da Mela’ in Dhuri, according to an official release.
“Punjab’s daughters are no longer to be seen as ‘becharis’ (helpless) but as ‘shernis’ (lionesses), excelling across every field and emerging as a strong force behind the state’s progress,” he said.
Underscoring his government’s focus on women’s economic empowerment and dignity, he said more than 75 lakh women are receiving Rs 1,000-Rs 1,500 every month under the Mawan-Dheeyan Satkar Yojna, while 3 lakh women linked with 29,000 self-help groups have been supported with Rs 631 crore in interest-free loans.
He said such efforts, alongside celebrations like ‘Teeyan Da Mela’ that preserve Punjab’s rich folk traditions and cultural heritage, are helping build a stronger and ‘Rangla Punjab’.
Mann said the Mela is a special celebration dedicated to Punjab’s rich cultural heritage, folk traditions and folk songs.
“Teeyan symbolises joy, enthusiasm and togetherness in Punjabi culture. The festival is an effort to connect the younger generation with Punjab’s traditional customs, folk traditions and cultural values,” he added.
Mann further said out of 23 districts in the state, nine have women deputy commissioners and eight have women SSPs.
“This is the reflection of the fact that given a chance, girls can achieve any target in life,” he said.
At a separate event in Sangrur, Mann joined the ‘Sangat’ at Mastuana Sahib for the ‘Kirtan Darbar’ dedicated to the 650th Parkash Purab of Guru Ravidas, paying obeisance and reiterating his government’s commitment “to taking Guru Sahib’s great life, philosophy and sacred teachings to every household”.
He said Guruji’s message of universal brotherhood, equality and dignity continues to guide the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in its endeavour to build an ideal society, while Rs 100 crore has been earmarked to celebrate the 650th Parkash Purab across Punjab in a grand manner.
“Through this event, the Punjab government seeks to connect the younger generation with the great teachings of Sri Guru Ravidas so that they can contribute towards building a society based on equality,” he said. PTI CHS PRK
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