Women to be part of Gujarat's progress: Modi

Amreli, Apr 6 (UNI) The Gujarat government has taken up a unique programme for helping women to be part of the state's progress, Chief Minister Narendra Modi said here today.

Under the ''Sakhi Mandal'' programme, lakhs of rural women and those in cities would be encouraged to strenghten their savings to make them financially self-sufficient, he said while addressing the sixth Mahila Sammelan here.

The 'Nari Shakti' is thirsting to be part of the industrial progress that the state has made and it was towards this objective the sammelan was been held, Mr Modi said.

In India, women form 50 per cent of the population and to help women achieve financial goals through empowerment, the government has decided to set up in each village a ''Sakhi Mandal,'' the Chief Minister said.

He also announced ''Mata Yashoda'' prize of Rs 51,000 for women anganwadi workers in the state capital, while those in districts would be given Rs 21,000.

Education minister Anandiben Patel said literacy among women was only 58 per cent even after six decades of independence and this has harmed the society at large. To rectify this imbalance, Mr Modi had started ''Kanya Kelvani'' to encourage women literacy, she said.

Those present at the sammelan included Finance Minister Vajubhai Vala, minister of state for women and child welfare Jasumatiben Korat, Social justice minister Ramanlal Vora, district panchayat president Naranbhai Kachadiya and nagarpallika members.

UNI