By: Jharna Saikia
During her presentation of the Interim Budget, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman highlighted the importance of women empowerment, stating that over the past decade, there has been notable progress in entrepreneurship, ease of living, and dignity for women.
In her budget address , the Finance Minister disclosed the government’s intention to encourage cervical cancer vaccinations for girls aged nine to fourteen. This initiative holds profound implications for women’s health as it aims to prevent a deadly disease that predominantly affects women. By providing access to vaccinations at a young age, the government seeks to safeguard the well-being of future generations of women, ensuring they can lead healthier lives and contribute fully to society.
Additionally, she declared that there are presently eighty-three lakh self-help groups (SHGs) comprising nine crore women, actively contributing to enhancing the socio-economic landscape in rural regions. These SHGs are pivotal in empowering women by providing them with opportunities for economic independence and fostering community development initiatives. Their collective efforts are instrumental in uplifting rural communities and driving positive change across various sectors.
These self-help groups (SHGs) have not only empowered nearly one crore women, making them financially independent, but they’ve also earned the endearing moniker “Lakhpati Didi” or millionaire sisters. Inspired by this remarkable success story, the government has resolved to elevate the aspiration by raising the target for Lakhpati Didi from 2 crore to 3 crore.
This decision reflects the government’s commitment to fostering greater economic empowerment among women and celebrating their achievements on the path to prosperity.
The government’s pledge to prioritize women’s healthcare and unleash the full potential of women entrepreneurs marks a significant leap forward in fostering gender equality and economic empowerment.
The writer is a 4th-semester student of Mass Communication, Dibrugarh University
The statements, views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the NEA.
