Women Empowerment Schemes Effectively Implemented
In State Through Various Related Schemes
Deputy Chairman, Dr. Neelam Gorhe
New Delhi, 5:
The Government of Maharashtra has always been keen on effectively implementing various Women Empowerment Schemes and Laws, like the registration of domestic workers, the Passing of ‘Shakti Bill’, The ‘Pandita Ramabai Yojana’ and much more, remarked the Deputy Chairman of Maharashtra Legislative Council, Dr. Neelam Gorhe.
Dr. Gorhe visited the office of Maharashtra Information Centre today. On a Delhi tour, She is being accompanied by the newly elected Members of Legislative Assembly for attending a two-day Parliamentary training workshop starting today. After the inaugural training session at the Parliament Museum Building, she visited the office and spoke on a number of sensitive issues concerning the safety and security of women. Dy. Director (A/c) Amarjyot Kaur Arora welcomed her with a shawl, Shrifal and a bouquet. Information Officer Anju Nimsarkar, Sub- Editor Ritesh Bhuyar and the whole staff was present on the occasion.
Dr. Gorhe informed that the state government has taken many important steps for the empowerment of women. Underlining a few, she informed about the recent meeting held with senior officials of Revenue department. In which, the obstacles faced by the widows of farmers in getting their share in property and land were discussed at length. Adding further, she said that instructions to concerned authorities to address such grievances have been given. Organizing camps in every district will help reduce such grievances. The department has been receiving positive response, she added.
The approach of the society in judging a widow or a single woman still needs to change. In order to improve this, the government has taken an important decision for the rehabilitation of widows and single women by initiating Pandita Ramabai Scheme. The plight of Covid 19 has taken a toll and many women are left alone with no adequate finances. Many girls have been deprived from attending schools. However, through Zilla Parishads, the government has been able to pursue the parents by visiting the homes of such girls to send them to schools, she informed. Adding further, she said that the Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray has given priority to setting up hostels for women and also allotted job cards for single women under the Employment Guarantee Scheme. They would be assured of the fixed remuneration through this scheme. The registration of domestic workers is also under process, she added.
Important laws for women’s safety
The Maharashtra Assembly has unanimously cleared the Shakti Criminal Laws (Maharashtra Amendment) Bill, 2020, on crimes against women and children. The Act provides for death penalty for rape and has increased minimum quantum of punishment in case of acid attacks on women and sexual assault of children, informed Dr Gorhe. This Bill has now been sent to the Union Home Ministry by the State Governor. She also expressed confidence that, once this Bill gains the recognition of an Act, it would guarantee women's safety. This would be effectively implemented in the state, she informed. In addition, as per Bill 52, there are provisions for setting up separate courts for women to ensure speedy trials and convictions. For this, appointing special public prosecutors would be assigned for women. The bill seeks to provide relief to women by forming women's police squads everywhere. She also hoped that both the bills would get early approval from the President, Shri RamNath Kovind.Work Credibility Of DGIPR
The Dy Chairman, Dr Gorhe expressed satisfaction on the work and news releases issued by the Directorate General of Information and Public Relations (DGIPR), Government of Maharashtra. Lauding the efforts of the department, Dr Gorhe informed that the department is working effectively, and the news releases issued are often relied upon due to their credibility. Raising her expectations, she expressed that, extra efforts are needed to penetrate women related schemes through effective and continuous publicity, thereby benefitting the grassroots. Dr Gorhe also underlined the immense work done by the ‘Stree Aadhar Kendra’ (Women Development Centre) in the State to resolve various problems of women, organising of study tours for women’s issues in the country and abroad and deliberating on various ideas through various forums. Dr. Gorhe’s private secretary Ravindra Khebudkar and media advisor, Nandkishore Londhe were present during this fruitful interaction.
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