Women would play a crucial role in the development of Gujarat: Chief Minister

Dedicates Bhadar-linked group water supply scheme for 30 villages

Distributes aids and benefits to women under various welfare and development schemes

Chief Minister Shri Narendrabhai Modi has called upon the Nari-Shakti of Gujarat to play a crucial role in State's development. State Government has undertaken slew of measures to empower the womenfolk. Women are engaged in economic activities. They are also playing an important role in the administrative process. Chief Minister was addressing a women mega convention at Dhoraji today.

Chief Minister distributed aids, benefits, and tools to women beneficiaries under various welfare and development schemes. Shri Narendrabhai Modi dedicated Bhadar-2 linked group water supply scheme. Rs 13 crore water supply project would provide drinking water supply to 30 villages. When water supply gets erratic, womenfolk face the hardships of water scarcity. For long term solutions to water crisis in rural areas, Water committees are formed in thousands of villages. Such committees' functions under women leadership, they look after water distribution and maintenance.

Anganvadies are playing very important role in child development. The Anganwadi workers are given uniforms by State Government. Recently formed Yashoda Gaurav Nidhi ensures dignity and respect to retiring Anganwadi workers. From the corpus, Anganwadi workers would get retirement benefits up to Rs.1.75 lakhs.

Chiranjeevi scheme has saved the lives of poor mothers and children. UNICEF and commonwealth countries are impressed by its success. Now Bal-Sakha scheme takes care of new born babies. The healthcare expenditure of mothers and children up to one year is to be borne by State Government. A people's movement is launched to tackle malnutrition in pregnant mother and children. People are donating Sukhadi.

As a revolving fund for 356 self help women groups, Shri Narendrabhai Modi handed over a cheque of Rs. 17.80 lakhs. He also distributed sewing machines to the beneficiaries, gave way a cheque of Rs.2.33 lakh under Balika Samrudhdhi scheme. He had given away a cheque to the president of water committee as self reliance reward.

Revenue Minister Smt Anandiben Patel said, “Under the leadership of Chief Minister, separate department is formed .With the outlay of Rs.1000 crores, it has operationlised various welfare and development schemes for women. Integrated child development project falls under the purview of Women and Child Welfare department. Training is given to 10000 women for making them self reliant.

Water Resources Minister Shri Nitinbhai Patel said that gone is the era, when water was being supplied to villages by water tankers. The drinking water grid laid across the State provides drinking water to 10346 villages and 112 towns. Out of 18000 villages, 10000 villages would get water of Narmada.

M.P. Shri Haribhai Chaudhari ,MLA Smt Jashumatiben Korat, Former M.P. Shri Bhavanaben Dave, Shri Madhuben Patel, Chairman Social Welfare Board Smt Jayshriben Patel also addressed the convention.