WOMEN EMPOWERMENT: A GATEWAY TOWARDS ACHIEVING AND FULFILLING DREAMS FOR A DEVELOPED INDIA

Across the globe, International Women’s Day was celebrated on 8th March with great enthusiasm, honoring the significant contributions of women in various fields. In India, the government's progressive policies towards Women Empowerment have enabled Indian women to work shoulder to shoulder with men across different sectors and sections of society.
In the past, women were predominantly involved in household chores and managing families. However, the present scenario has witnessed a massive transformation where women are excelling in every sphere — be it education, sports, administration, defense, business, politics, or technology. The Government of India, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has initiated various schemes to promote Women Empowerment, such as easy bank loans for start-up projects, encouraging self-employment, and promoting the participation of women in various industries.
The remarkable progress of women can be witnessed in sectors such as Indian Allied Services, Indian Administrative Services (IAS), Indian Police Services (IPS), Indian Revenue Services (IRS), Air Force, Defense, Railways, Banking, and Aviation, where women have proven their capabilities and are successfully discharging their assigned duties. Women are also excelling in professional fields as engineers, doctors, scientists, professors, and industrialists, contributing significantly to nation-building.
In the political arena, we have witnessed influential women leaders like President of India Droupadi Murmu, Chief Minister of West Bengal Mamata Banerjee, Chief Minister of Delhi Rekha Gupta, Former President of India Pratibha Patil, and Former Prime Minister of India Late Indira Gandhi. On a global level, Margaret Thatcher was the first woman Prime Minister of the United Kingdom (England), setting an example of women leadership. Similarly, in India, Former Chief Minister of Gujarat Anandiben Patel and Former Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu Late Jayaram Jayalalithaa made remarkable contributions in the field of politics.
The field of sports has also witnessed incredible performances from Indian women. In Badminton, Wrestling, Boxing, and Athletics, women have showcased their talent by winning medals and bringing laurels to the nation. The dedication, sincerity, and hard work of women in different fields have significantly contributed towards the development of the country.

INTRODUCTION OF MAHILA SAMRIDHI YOJANA (PENSION SCHEME) FOR WOMEN IN DELHI
Recently, the Delhi Government, under the leadership of Hon’ble Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, introduced and approved the draft to allocate a pension of Rs. 2,500 per month to women under the Mahila Samridhi Yojana. This step aims to financially empower women, increase their purchasing power, and provide them with financial security. The scheme will enable women to utilize the pension amount for household expenses, personal needs, or the well-being of their families. This initiative is expected to act as a booster for women’s economic independence in the coming years.

FREE TRAVEL FOR WOMEN IN GOVERNMENT BUSES IN PUNJAB
In Punjab, the scheme of free travel for women in Government Buses was initially introduced by the then Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh. The scheme aimed to facilitate women’s mobility and promote gender equality in public transportation. This facility is still being provided to women, allowing them to travel freely in government buses across the state, promoting economic independence and ensuring women's accessibility to education, employment, and essential services.

WOMEN EMPOWERMENT: THE PATHWAY TO DEVELOPED INDIA
The Central Government and State Governments are continuously introducing and implementing progressive policies to strengthen Women Empowerment. The idea of Women Empowerment is undoubtedly the gateway towards nation-building and economic development.
The days are long gone when women were confined to household work after marriage. Today, women are working shoulder to shoulder with men in every sector. The Women’s Reservation Bill, introduced in the Lok Sabha in September 2023 during a special session of Parliament, aims to reserve 33% seats in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies for women. Additionally, 50% seats in Panchayats and 33% seats in Municipal Corporations under Local Self Government have also been reserved for women. This major constitutional amendment will further empower women and encourage gender equality in decision-making bodies.
The journey of Women Empowerment has reached great heights, and with continuous support from the Government and Society, women will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in building a strong, prosperous, and developed India. The dream of achieving a developed India is incomplete without empowering women in every sphere of life.

Authored by:
Rajat Kumar Mohindru
Journalist,
Jalandhar City