In order to develop Uttarakhand in a planned way, the State Government is implementing women’s welfare programmes in the State. Bhojan Matas (school cooks under mid-day meal scheme) are working very well in the State. At home the mother takes care of the child and Bhojan Matas do likewise in schools, said Chief Minister Harish Rawat. Reciprocating, the Bhojan Matas expressed gratitude towards the Chief Minister for giving perks for 11 months to the Bhojan Matas in place of 10 months.
CM reiterated that Bhojan Mata, ASHA, Anganwadis are Union Government schemes so State Government can’t make amendments there.
“Currently we are giving `1500 per month to our Bhojan Matas which is much higher than in other States. Although it is just a token money if we compare it to their dedication to work, we are creating revolving fund so that they would get some monetary support even after retirement. Contributory insurance scheme will be implemented and their contribution would be very little,” said Rawat.
He said that in rural areas State Government would launch a scheme named after former Chief Minister Narayan Datt Tiwari in April 2016. In this scheme Anganwadi centre, schools and Bhojan Matas will be roped in with Unnati schemes. Under this Bhojan Matas will be given some additional work so that they would earn more. As State’s economic condition would improve then it would ensure that the benefit reaches even the last person.
Rawat said that despite its limited resource state government has initiated several women welfare schemes. Women can reap the benefit of such schemes from birth to old age. Under Gaura Devi Kanya Dhan Yojana state government spends `86 crore while take home ration scheme has been provided for old women without disparity between APl and BPl card holders. In each police station one woman sub inspector would be appointed along with 1800 women constables in each district. In PRD and Home Guard 30 percent women would be recruited.
On the birth of a girl fixed deposit, monetary help to the girl child of widow; nutritious diet scheme for pregnant women, cycle schemes for school going girls are also provided by the State. A woman meeting with an accident during work will get pension under Teelu Rauteli pension scheme while the pension amount for mentally challenged women, handicapped and senior citizens has been increased. Women aged above 60 years can travel in Uttarakhand government buses free of cost. Under the Mere Buzurg Mere Teerth scheme Hindu, Muslim and Sikh senior citizens are taken on pilgrimage to select shrines with the State Government facilitating it and bearing the expense.