Empowering women is Jharkhand Govt’s priority: CM Hemant Soren

Mail News Service

Ranchi, July 31: Chief Minister Hemant Soren emphasized that women’s respect and economic empowerment are top priorities for the Jharkhand government. He stated that financially self-reliant women can drive progress for their families, society, and the state. Soren highlighted that rural tribal women of Jharkhand have historically been hardworking and actively participating in economic activities.

Over the past four years, the Hemant government has implemented numerous schemes aimed at improving the working conditions and economic empowerment of Jharkhand’s women. These efforts include enhancing business participation, improving girls’ education, and providing economic support to elderly women through pensions. The government is continuously striving to ensure that women participate in business both within and outside the state.

Key programs include the Palash Brand, which has significantly impacted rural women. More than 100,000 women are increasing their income by producing and selling goods under this brand. In less than three years, these women have generated sales of Rs 3982.00 lakh. The success of the Palash Brand during the COVID-19 economic crisis is a testament to the resilience and hard work of these women. The government plans to establish “Palash Enterprises Company” for purely commercial operations, with the primary objective of accelerating the rural economy.

The Maiyan Samman Yojana (JMMSY) is another significant initiative, providing Rs 1,000 per month to women aged 21 to 50 years. This scheme aims to reach about 50 lakh women, helping them cover their daily expenses. The eligibility criteria for this scheme are simple: applicants must be residents of Jharkhand, aged between 21 and 50 years, and have an Aadhaar-linked single bank account. Those without an Aadhaar-linked account can avail of the benefits until December 2024 by providing their voter identity card and Aadhar card. Camps will be organized across the state from August 3 to collect applications, and the process is free.

The Savitribai Phule Kishori Samriddhi Yojana targets adolescent girls, offering financial assistance up to Rs 40,000 across five stages, starting from class eight and continuing until class twelve. Approximately 8 lakh girl students are currently benefiting from this scheme, with plans to connect 9 lakh girls in this financial year. Each girl receives Rs 2,500 in classes eight and nine, Rs 5,000 in classes ten to twelve, and a lump sum of Rs 20,000 upon turning 18 and obtaining a voter ID card. This financial support aims to help girls pursue further studies or training to become self-reliant.

The government is also addressing food security through various schemes. The Food Supply Department provides 5 kg of rice per beneficiary every month at a subsidized rate of Re 1 per kg to 20 lakh needy people. The Sona Sobaran Dhoti-Saree Scheme offers 66 lakh ration card holders dhotis, lungis, and sarees for Rs 10 each twice a year. Additionally, the Sarvajan Pension Yojana benefits about 36.2 lakh people, a significant increase from the 15 lakh beneficiaries in 2019. The Phulo Jhano Ashirwad Abhiyan, run by the Rural Development Department, supports women’s self-respect by providing financial assistance, which has recently increased to Rs 50,000. Over 32,000 mothers and sisters have benefited from this scheme.

Furthermore, the Rural Development Department has provided bank credit/linkage of approximately Rs 8,250 crore to 1.4 lakh self-help groups, a substantial rise from the Rs 640 crore credited by the previous government until December 2019. These initiatives reflect the government’s commitment to women’s economic empowerment and social upliftment. Despite challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic, significant progress has been made.