Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami highlights the significance of the Nari Shakti Vandan Act, ensuring 33% reservation for women in Lok Sabha and Assemblies. Key initiatives boosting women empowerment in Uttarakhand.
Women’s Strength is the Foundation of Nation’s Progress: CM Dhami
Nari Shakti Vandan Act a Historic Step Towards Women Empowerment
Dehradun: Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami stated that the strength, courage, and dedication of women form the true foundation of societal and national progress. He described the Nari Shakti Vandan Act, passed by Parliament in 2023 under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as a historic and transformative step towards ensuring dignity, rights, and equal participation for women.
Addressing the Nari Shakti Vandan Conference, organized by the Uttarakhand State Women Commission at the Government Doon Medical College Auditorium on Wednesday, the Chief Minister said that the Act provides 33% reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies. He emphasized that this is not merely about increasing representation but a revolutionary move to ensure women’s active participation in policy-making.
He highlighted that in Indian tradition, women are revered as ‘Shakti’ (power), and without this ‘Shakti’, creation and capability are incomplete. Therefore, the true development of society and the nation is impossible without empowering women. Today’s women are excelling across sectors—they are farmers cultivating fields, entrepreneurs building startups, grassroots representatives shaping village development, and leaders capable of framing national policies.
The Chief Minister noted that since 2014, the Central Government has launched several landmark schemes to uplift women, including Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, Jan Dhan Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana, Swachh Bharat Mission, and Lakhpati Didi Yojana, all of which have significantly improved the status and dignity of women.
CM Dhami said that the Uttarakhand Government is equally committed to women’s empowerment by promoting their participation in education, employment, and entrepreneurship.
Through the Uttarakhand State Rural Livelihood Mission, rural women are being made self-reliant. Additionally, schemes like Sashakt Bahna Utsav Yojana and Chief Minister Women Self-Help Group Empowerment Scheme are providing new opportunities for economic growth.
He further stated that under the Mukhyamantri Udyamshala Yojana, products made by women’s groups are being developed into strong brands. Initiatives like “Vocal for Local” and “Local to Global” are promoting local products globally under the umbrella brand House of Himalayas.
The Chief Minister added that over 2.65 lakh women in the state have become “Lakhpati Didis,” earning more than ₹1 lakh annually. The government has also implemented 30% reservation for women in government jobs and enforced the Uniform Civil Code to ensure women’s rights and security.
Union Minister of State for Women and Child Development, Savitri Thakur, said that the Nari Shakti Vandan Act is not just a law but a transformative reform shaping India’s future. It will significantly enhance women’s participation in politics and empower them in decision-making processes.
State Minister for Women Empowerment and Child Development, Rekha Arya, said that the Act goes beyond representation by placing women at the core of policy-making. Women will now frame policies based on their experiences, marking a true shift towards empowerment.
Women Achievers Felicitated
During the event, women who have made remarkable contributions in various fields were honored. MLA Savita Kapoor, State Women Commission Chairperson Kusum Kandwal, Child Protection Commission Chairperson Dr. Geeta Khanna, Padma Shri awardee Madhuri Barthwal, Deepti Rawat, Ruchi Bhatt, and a large number of women were present at the event.
