Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur while addressing the office bearers of the Chamba district Mahila Morcha at Chamba said that one cannot even think of development of a society without active participation of the women. Chief Minister said that the State Government had initiated several schemes for the welfare, development and empowerment of the women. He said that ‘Naari Ko Naman’ programme was launched in the State from Dharamshala under which 50 percent concession was being provided in the fare of Himachal Road Transport Corporation buses to women passengers. He said that this concession on bus fares to women was not a political move, rather it was a small step towards our resolve to strengthen women power.
Jai Ram Thakur said that Shagun Yojna, Grihini Suvidha Yojna, Beti Hai Anmol, assistance to women SHGs etc. were launched in the State to ensure empowerment of the women. He said that Sahara Yojna was proving a boon to the families with chronically ill patients as Rs. 3000 per month was being provided to such families. He said that it was surprising that why no other Chief Minister thought of starting such schemes for the poor and the downtrodden. He said that the State Government was also providing 125 unit free power to domestic electric consumers. Deputy Speaker Dr Hansraj, Chief Whip and MLA Bhatiyat Vikram Jaryal, MLA Chamba Pawan Nayar, Mahila Morcha State President Rashmi Dhar Sood were present on the occasion among others.