Jammu, 19 August: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference Women’s Wing State Vice President Bimla Luthra today said the Omar Abdullah-led government has restored women’s empowerment to the centre of governance, replacing a decade of neglect with concrete measures aimed at improving women’s mobility, dignity, economic independence and opportunities.
Addressing a mega women’s convention at Reasi, Luthra launched a sharp attack on the BJP’s decade-long rule in Jammu and Kashmir, saying its promises of a “new dawn” had failed to translate into jobs, economic opportunities or meaningful support for ordinary families.
Contrasting this with the present government, she said the Omar Abdullah-led administration had begun addressing women’s concerns through tangible interventions.“Today, the difference is visible. Our mothers and sisters are once again being recognised as equal stakeholders in development. Women’s empowerment is no longer being treated as a ceremonial slogan; it is being woven into governance and public policy,” she said.
Luthra highlighted the government’s initiatives including free public transport for women, enhanced marriage assistance, promotion of women-led enterprises, strengthening of Self-Help Groups and measures aimed at creating safer and more supportive spaces for working women.
“These initiatives are not isolated announcements. Together, they create a pathway towards greater mobility, financial independence, entrepreneurship and dignity. A woman who can travel freely, access financial assistance, start an enterprise, join a Self-Help Group and participate confidently in the economy is a woman who is empowered,” she said.
She said strengthening women’s economic participation would have a direct impact on families and communities across Jammu and Kashmir.“When a woman earns, an entire household becomes stronger. When a woman gets an opportunity, a family moves forward. When women become economically independent, communities become more resilient. That is why women’s empowerment must be at the heart of development,” Luthra said.
Luthra said the women of Jammu and Kashmir had endured a decade in which their aspirations were repeatedly pushed to the margins, but the present government was creating renewed hope through a people-oriented approach.
“The BJP spent ten years selling promises. The Omar Abdullah government is now being judged by what it delivers. The difference is between politics of slogans and politics of service,” she said.
She urged women to actively participate in the development process and said the National Conference remained committed to ensuring that women were not merely beneficiaries of government schemes but active partners in shaping Jammu and Kashmir’s future.
“Our women do not want empty promises. They want opportunities, dignity, security, employment and the freedom to build a better future for themselves and their children. That is precisely the direction in which the Omar Abdullah government is moving,” Luthra said.