Imphal: Chief Minister N. Biren Singh said that the Government is putting forth every possible effort for empowering the women of the State by implementing various initiatives and schemes to strengthen their livelihood, security and dignity. This was stated by him at the 15th Foundation Day of Manipur State Commission for Women and two days “Socio-Cultural and Political Convention of North East Women” held at Hotel Classic Grande, Imphal today.
Speaking as Chief Guest of the function, N. Biren Singh said that the government has constructed and inaugurated seven Women’s Markets in different hill districts of the State and the construction for another 10 Women’s Markets are being taken up. He maintained that the Manipur StartUp Scheme was introduced to support entrepreneurs in the State and many of the entrepreneurs who received support under the scheme were women. As per Annual Report of 2018-19, Manipur topped the list of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) business registrations among the Northeastern states and 50 % of these businesses are owned by women, he added. He further mentioned that out of the 7,106 loans disbursed under PM SVANidhi to street vendors of the State, 94% of the beneficiaries are women vendors.
Stating that Manipuri women are more empowered as compared with women of other parts of the country, the Chief Minister said that many top posts in Administrative and Police departments are being held by women in the State. Stressing that the Government has taken various steps for the safety and security of women in the State, he stated that All-Women Police Stations were also established in different districts. He said that Under Social Welfare department, 16 One Stop Centers were established to support women in distress in all the districts. A 24X7 toll free Women Helpline has been functional since the installation of the present government, he added.
On the occasion, the Chief Minister alongwith other dignitaries released the Annual Journal of Manipur State Commission for Women (MSCW) titled “Women News Horizon (Vol-V)”.
The program was also attended by Joint Secretary, National Commission (NCW) for Women, A. Asholi Chalai, Chairperson MSCW Prof. Binota Meinam, Vice-Chancellor of Manipur University Prof. N. Lokendro Singh, President BJP Manipur Pradesh A. Sharda Devi, National Organisation Secretary, Bharat Vikas Parishad Suresh Jain, Chairpersons of State Commission for Women of various NorthEastern States and others.
(DIPR)