Jaipur, Jan 16 (NationPress) Rajasthan's Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma emphasized on Friday that under the forward-thinking guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the nation is entering a transformative phase in women's empowerment.

In Rajasthan, women linked to Rajeevika have taken significant strides toward becoming economically independent, contributing positively to their families and the state's overall development journey.

During a pre-budget discussion with members of Rajeevika self-help groups at Birla Auditorium, the Chief Minister highlighted that each Rajeevika sister is instrumental in enhancing household income and fostering social empowerment.

He noted that Indian tradition honors Goddess Lakshmi (prosperity), Goddess Saraswati (knowledge), and Goddess Durga (strength), all of which resonate with the essence of womanhood.

CM Sharma pointed out that the double-engine government is delivering numerous women-focused benefits, including housing assistance and LPG subsidies. He stated that the involvement of women, representing nearly half of the population, is key to the progress of a developed Rajasthan.

Approximately 13 lakh Rajeevika women have achieved the status of ‘Lakhpati Didis’.

He remarked that self-help groups have demonstrated that women can be effective managers and successful entrepreneurs, liberating families from the burden of high-interest debts.

The Chief Minister noted that 51 lakh rural families in the state are linked to more than 4 lakh self-help groups.

A strong Rajeevika network has been established, encompassing 32,000 village organizations and over 1,000 cluster-level federations. In livelihood enhancement initiatives, nearly 36 lakh families are involved in activities related to agriculture and livestock.

Sharma stated that more than Rs 2,000 crore has been allocated to women in self-help groups for livelihood development through Rajeevika. Over 3,500 producer groups have been created to bolster agriculture, livestock, and non-farm sectors, benefiting around 3 lakh families. He acknowledged the role of women in dairy farming, mentioning that the state government offers a subsidy of Rs 5 per liter of milk to dairy farmers.

He also announced an increase in the assistance under the Lado Protsahan Yojana from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 1.5 lakh, while the benefit under the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana has been raised from Rs 5,000 to Rs 6,500. Approximately Rs 531 crore has been disbursed to nearly 10 lakh pregnant women under this scheme.

Through the Maa Voucher Scheme, 2.26 lakh women have benefitted from complimentary sonography services. Additionally, under the Shiksha Setu Yojana, over 90,000 women and girls have received training that is oriented towards employment.

For enhancing women's safety, 500 Kalika patrolling units are operating across the state. CM Sharma highlighted that the government has provided more than 1 lakh job appointments, with ongoing recruitment for 1.44 lakh positions. On Youth Day (January 12), a recruitment calendar for 1 lakh posts was released for the year, presenting significant job opportunities for women as well.

He mentioned that the state's new Youth Policy will further bolster women's self-employment and entrepreneurial endeavors.

Stressing on participatory governance, the Chief Minister stated that Rajeevika women have achieved financial autonomy by connecting with banks, markets, and government initiatives, and are now marketing products through digital platforms.

He encouraged them to provide insightful recommendations for the Rajasthan Budget, especially concerning the fortification of self-help groups, broadening livelihood prospects, enhancing product marketing, and boosting training and skill development.

Present at the event were Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari, Rural Development Minister Dr Kirodi Lal Meena, Minister of State for Rural Development Ota Ram Dewasi, Additional Chief Secretary for Rural Development Shreya Guha, Principal Secretary for Finance Vaibhav Galaria, State Mission Director (Self-Help Groups) Neha Giri, senior officials, and a significant number of Rajeevika women.