Himachal Pradesh govt hikes monetary award for Mahila Vikas Protsahan Puraskar to Rs 1 lakh

Days ahead of International Women's Day, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced a nearly five-fold increase in cash awards under the Himachal Pradesh Mahila Vikas Protsahan Puraskar.

Sukhu, who presided over the nationwide International Women's Day event, said on Monday that the cash award for the Mahila Vikas Protsahan Puraskar has been increased to Rs 1 lakh from the current Rs 21,000. The award allowance at the district level has been increased from Rs 5,000 to Rs 25,000, he said.

Mahila Vikas Protsahan Puraskar is awarded to women who excel in various fields. On Monday, Sukhu felicitated independent journalist Dev Kanyu Thakur, social worker Sangeet Khuran and Dr Anveshu Negi. Sukhu said that women are the pillars of society and added that the whole world is empowered when women are empowered.

The Department of Social Justice and Empowerment is conducting a series of awareness programs across the state from March 1 to 8 to inform women about sensitive issues such as domestic violence, drug abuse and workplace harassment. Addressing Women's Day on March 8, Sukhu said today's women are contributing to the progress of the state as much as their male counterparts and should be supported.

"Women have been instrumental in shaping society and civilizations can only develop when women are compared to men and given due respect,” he said. Congress-led governments have always been considerate of “women power”, he added.

During his tenure as Prime Minister, Rajiv Gandhi paved the way for 33 per cent reservation for women in panchayats and local bodies through the 73rd and 74th constitutional amendments, the chief minister said.

Although Gandhi was opposed by many, he was determined to empower women and increase their participation in nation building, he said.