Women would have 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, while addressing 'Women's Empowerment Conference' at Betul today, said.

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

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 310 per cent success in the implementation of the Ladli Laxmi Yojana. He said the government was aiming 100 per cent institutional deliveries and would achieve the target soon.

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

Mr Chouhan distributed National Savings Certificates in 535 cases under Ladli Laxmi Yojana. Cash and certificates were distributed among 6 beneficiaries of Bal Sanjivani Abhiyan, 3 under Shaktimaan Yojana, 3 under Ladli Laxmi Yojana, 5 under RCH, 3 for winning sewing competition, 5 for cocoon rearing, 5 under Gramya Yojana and 3 under the scheme of pre-natal financial assistance for women. Mr Chouhan also released a booklet focusing on 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 incharge 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, the release added.

UNI PS 2036