Jaipur, Mar 30 (PTI) Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma on Monday said that empowering women is key to the development of the state and the country, and highlighted the various initiatives taken by the government in that direction.
At an event held at the chief minister’s residence, Sharma transferred Rs 1,000 each to the bank accounts of approximately 122,000 Anganwadi workers for purchasing uniforms, and distributed cheques to beneficiaries of schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana, Lado Protsahan Yojana, and the Kalibai Bheel Yojana, an official statement said.
Sharma said Anganwadi workers play a crucial role in nurturing children and strengthening the foundation for future generations, thereby contributing significantly to nation-building.
The government has taken several decisions over the past two years to strengthen the Anganwadi centres, he said.
Sharing details, Sharma said the state government has approved a 10 per cent hike in honorarium for Aanganwadi workers, helpers, mid-day meal cooks and other honorarium-based staff, which will come into effect from April 1.
Emphasising the importance of women’s empowerment, he claimed that more than 16 lakh women have become ‘lakhpatis’ under the Lakhpati Didi scheme, the loan provision for which has been raised from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 1.5 lakh.
The chief minister also said that women associated with animal husbandry have benefited from a subsidy of Rs 5 per litre on milk, and various other schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana and the Maa Voucher Yojana.
Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari said Anganwadi workers play a vital role in shaping the personality of children, and credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for giving new momentum to women’s empowerment in the country.
During the event, the chief minister released a calendar of activities to be conducted at the Anganwadi centres throughout the year, the statement said. PTI AG ARI
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