Nabha (Punjab), Mar 30 (PTI) Paramjit Singh Kainth, Punjab vice-president of the BJP Scheduled Caste Morcha, on Monday expressed concern over the alleged lack of market access and fair pricing for women trained under the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKY) in the state.
Alleging administrative failure of the AAP government in Punjab, Kainth said that despite the Centre’s efforts to promote women’s empowerment, the benefits of such schemes are not reaching the grassroots level in the state.
He said the PMKVY scheme is aimed at making women self-reliant by providing free skill training, employment opportunities and avenues for economic empowerment. Women are being trained in various sectors, such as electronics, beauty and wellness and handicrafts, he added.
Highlighting the growing participation of women in skill development initiatives, Kainth said their share in apprenticeship programmes has increased by 3 per cent to 25.8 per cent in one year, indicating the expanding reach and effectiveness of the scheme.
Kainth also pointed out that initiatives related to maternal support, sanitation, financial inclusion and girls’ education are helping strengthen the socio-economic status of women across the country.
However, he alleged that due to negligence by the Bhagwant Mann government, these benefits are not being effectively implemented at the ground level in Punjab.
Referring to his interactions with women associated with self-help groups in villages of the Nabha Assembly constituency, Kainth said that while women are receiving training, they are struggling to get access to proper markets and are unable to secure fair prices for their products.
Kainth asserted that “this reflects clear administrative apathy” and assured that efforts will be made to connect self-help groups with banks and link women directly with markets.
Warning of agitation, Kainth said that if the state government does not change its approach, a large-scale movement would be launched to safeguard public rights. He reiterated that ensuring economic independence and dignity for women remains a top priority and called for immediate corrective measures to address the issue. PTI VSD AMJ AMJ
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