DHURI, Aug 19: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Wednesday said the state’s progress depends on ensuring greater participation of women in governance, the economy and political decision making.
Addressing a gathering at the ‘Teeyan Da Mela’ in Dhuri, Mann said women and girls were achieving remarkable success across different sectors and should be encouraged to take a more active role in shaping the future of Punjab.
He said the image of Punjab’s daughters had changed significantly, with women increasingly emerging as confident leaders and contributors to the state’s development.
“Punjab’s daughters are no longer helpless but are emerging as a strong force behind the state’s progress,” Mann said, highlighting their achievements in various fields.
The Chief Minister said his government was working to strengthen the economic position and dignity of women through various welfare initiatives. According to him, more than 75 lakh women are receiving monthly assistance of Rs 1,000 to Rs 1,500 under the Mawan-Dheeyan Satkar Yojna.
He added that around three lakh women associated with 29,000 self-help groups had benefited from Rs 631 crore in interest-free loans. These initiatives, he said, were aimed at creating greater financial opportunities and enabling women to become self-reliant.
Mann also pointed to the increasing representation of women in senior administrative and policing positions across the state. Of Punjab’s 23 districts, nine currently have women serving as deputy commissioners, while eight have women as senior superintendents of police.
He said the growing presence of women in key positions demonstrated that they could achieve any goal when provided with equal opportunities.
The Chief Minister also linked women’s empowerment with the preservation of Punjab’s cultural identity, describing the ‘Teeyan Da Mela’ as an important platform for celebrating the state’s folk traditions, songs and customs.
He said the festival represents joy, enthusiasm and togetherness in Punjabi society and provides an opportunity to introduce younger generations to the state’s traditional values and cultural heritage.
Mann said such initiatives would contribute to the vision of a stronger and more vibrant ‘Rangla Punjab’, where economic development goes hand in hand with social inclusion and cultural preservation.
Earlier, at a separate programme in Sangrur, Mann participated in the ‘Sangat’ at Mastuana Sahib during a ‘Kirtan Darbar’ organised to mark the 650th Parkash Purab of Guru Ravidas.
He paid obeisance and reiterated the Punjab government’s commitment to spreading the teachings and philosophy of Guru Ravidas among people across the state.
Mann said Guru Ravidas’ message of equality, universal brotherhood and dignity remained relevant and continued to inspire efforts towards building an inclusive society.
He said the state government had allocated Rs 100 crore for organising grand celebrations across Punjab to mark the 650th Parkash Purab.
The Chief Minister said the celebrations would also provide an opportunity to connect younger generations with the teachings of Guru Ravidas and encourage them to work towards creating a society based on equality and mutual respect.