Girls need to be given freedom and faith has to be reposed in their capabilities. Hesitation is the biggest hindrance in achieving progress, and the girls should not hesitate, said Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat. He was speaking at a programme held in Srinagar as part of the State foundation week celebrations on Wednesday.
Speaking on the occasion, Rawat said that female foeticide is an evil, adding that there has been considerable improvement in the girl child sex ratio in the State during the past two years. He also stressed on the need to rise above political gains for achieving real improvement, adding that deliberation is vital for progress. This is the reason why events focused on soldiers, women, youth and other aspects are being organised as part of the State foundation week.
Expressing her views on the occasion, the chairperson of the National Commission for Women, Rekha Sharma said that the condition of women in Uttarakhand is better now than it was in the past. Women of the state played a major role in the statehood movement and contributed to environmental conservation.
Stating that women still do most of the work in agriculture and animal husbandry, she stressed on the need to focus on the health and education of women.
Addressing the gathering, actor and Uttarakhand native Himani Shivpuri said that it was women who had saved the mountains.
She stressed on the need for recognition of Uttarakhand’s art and folk artists at the national level.
Expressing her views in Garhwali, the additional chief secretary Radha Raturi recalled the vital role played by women in the statehood movement. The Government will attempt to work on the suggestions received in this seminar, she said, while adding that women will definitely benefit from the various schemes for women which the CM talks of introducing.
Agriculture Minister Subodh Uniyal, State Minister for Higher Education Dhan Singh Rawat and Jagar singer Basanti Bisht were also among those present on the occasion.