Gandhinagar

Gujarat Chief Minister Anandiben Patel today said that a dedicated shed has been allocated at the Sanand GIDC Estate near here to encourage women entrepreneurs in the manufacturing sector, on the lines of women’s economic empowerment in agriculture, dairy, self-help groups.

She made a special mention of Rasilaben Wadher as brave women in rescue operation of lions in the remote forests in Gir Sanctuary.

Speaking at a function organized by Gandhinagar District Panchayat to mark statewide women’s empowerment fortnight, called Mahila Sakashtikaran Pakhwada, she said that 300 Block has been reserved for women entrepreneurs on 50 per cent assistance on lease rent basis.

Mrs. Patel recalled that the government had created a separate department for women and child welfare and allocated an annual budget of Rs.2,000-crore.

Mrs. Patel asked the rural womenfolk to take special care of children’s health and education, even as the health department is carrying out medical checkup of 45-lakh anganwadi children in the state and even treating those suffering from diseases like diabetes and cataract.

She presented ‘Lifetime Achievement Awards’ to 13 women for their achievement in respective fields, ‘Women’s Empowerment Awards’ to 100 women sarpanchs, 78 women karma yogis and 41 others for leadership in other fields. The awards were for diverse fields like sports, environment protection, scientific research, social work, journalism, authorship, bravery, beauty parlour, trade, painting, food, co-operative society, scout and guide.

Minister of State for Women & Child Welfare Vasuben Trivedi said that women’s empowerment would enlighten the society and induce society respect women.

Gandhinagar District Panchayat President Hinaben Patel said that every newborn girl would be paid a bond of Rs.1,000.

Prominent among those present on the occasion included MLAs Ashokbhai Patel, Shambhuji Thakor, GUDA Chairman Ashish Dave, Mahila Suraksha Board Vice-President Jyotiben Vachhani, Gandhinagar Mayor Hansaben Modi, Principal Secretary for Women & Child Welfare Anuradha Mal, District Collector Ravi Shankar and DDO Kaushik Bhimjiyani.

– Information