Synopsis
The BJP government in Tripura has initiated numerous schemes to empower women, involving over 5.47 lakh women in 60 thousand Self Help Groups, as reported by Chief Minister Manik Saha. Various financial supports and employment opportunities have been created to enhance women's livelihoods and business prospects.Key Takeaways
- Over 5.47 lakh women in 60 thousand SHGs
- Rs 746.8 crore allocated to support women’s businesses
- 33 percent reservations for women in government jobs
- Free education for girls up to degree level
- Tripura ranks third in overall crime and eighth in crime against women
Agartala, March 13 (NationPress) The BJP administration in Tripura has implemented numerous initiatives aimed at empowering women, with more than 5.47 lakh women participating in approximately 60 thousand Self Help Groups (SHGs) to support their livelihoods, stated Chief Minister Manik Saha on Thursday.
During a state-level event commemorating International Women’s Day, the Chief Minister highlighted that under the Tripura Rural Livelihood Mission (TRLM), 53,663 SHGs have been established, engaging 4.84 lakh rural women, while around 6,000 SHGs have been formed under the Tripura Urban Livelihood Mission, which includes 63,743 women.
He noted that prior to the BJP's rise to power in Tripura in 2018, only 4,000 SHGs were operational in the state.
Saha mentioned that over 91,871 women from these SHGs have become ‘Lakhpati Didis’ through their involvement in various production and entrepreneurial units, and the government has allocated Rs 746.8 crore over the past seven years to enhance their businesses.
The Chief Minister also revealed that Rs 1,465.81 crore in bank loans has been extended during the last seven years compared to just Rs 4.95 crore before 2018 to further support the SHGs in their business activities.
Additionally, Rs 114 crore has been designated for the establishment of 10 working women hostels, with free scooters and bicycles being offered to girl students, and nine all-women police stations have been set up in Tripura. The Chief Minister also mentioned that free education is provided to girls up to the degree level.
To bolster women's empowerment, the Chief Minister announced that 33 percent reservations have been made for women in government positions, and breaking through societal barriers, 137 women have been employed in Tripura’s elite force, the Tripura State Rifles (TSR).
Referring to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) reports, Saha, who also oversees the Home portfolio, stated that among the 28 states in India, Tripura ranks as the third best state in overall crime rates and the eighth best in crimes against women. He added that women constitute 41 percent of the workforce in Tripura’s startup sectors, demonstrating strong performance.
Furthermore, over seven lakh women in Tripura have been included in two national government-sponsored insurance schemes, the Chief Minister concluded.
