Women need to prove themselves: Chouhan

Bhopal, Jan 12 (UNI) Pointing out that the responsibility of basic development of the entire generation rested on the shoulders of women, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan today said women would have to prove their mettle by shedding their image as feeble and helpless.

''Madhya Pradesh is the only state that has implemented schemes to help girls from their birth to marriage to becoming mother. Other states are following course,'' Mr Chouhan said while addressing a Women's Empowerment Conference' at Betul.

He felt that women would have to come out of the four walls of their houses to avail benefit of these schemes, as an educated and self-reliant woman cannot be exploited, an official release here said.

Mr Chouhan said several government schemes had been launched by the government in the past four years. Besides, women had been provided reservation in government jobs, forest committees and civic bodies.

He congratulated Betul for achieving success in the implementation of the Ladli Laxmi Yojana.

Former Union Minister Sushma Swaraj said these schemes would bring about unprecedented changes in the lives of women.

Mr Chouhan also distributed National Savings Certificates in 535 cases under Ladli Laxmi Yojana.

He sanctioned Rs one crore for construction of an under-bridge near Ganj railway station in Betul city. He also announced to allot Nazul land for construction of a sports stadium and upgrading three high schools to higher secondary schools.

The Chief Minister instructed to conduct survey for construction of three dams as demanded by the Members of Parliament from Betul district.

He also sanctioned Rs 50,000 from Mukhyamantri Swechha Anudan to relatives of Urmalia Bai of village Dulria in Multai Tehsil who tried to immolate herself at collector office and ordered suspension of the then DSP DR Mahajan.

Minister in charge of Betul and Revenue Minister Kamal Patel, Forest Minister Kunwar Vijay Shah, Betul MLA Shivprasad, Bhensdehi MLA Mahendra Singh Chouhan and Ghoradongri MLA Sajjan Singh Uike were present.

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