Hyderabad: Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla said women’s empowerment and the active participation of young people are essential to achieving the Viksit Bharat vision, while highlighting the Union government’s efforts to expand opportunities for women in political, economic and social sectors.
Addressing winners of the Viksit Vibrant Villages Programme (VVVP) and the Viksit Bharat Youth Parliament (VBYP) at Lok Bhavan on Saturday, the Governor said the Centre, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, had given high priority to strengthening the role of women in nation-building. The programme was organised by the Telangana State Office of MY Bharat under the Union Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports.
Referring to political empowerment, Shukla said the 106th Constitutional Amendment, enacted as the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, marked a historic step by providing for one-third reservation for women in Parliament and State Legislative Assemblies. He expressed confidence that women’s representation in legislatures would rise significantly after the law is implemented in the upcoming electoral cycle.
Viksit Bharat vision backed by women and youth
The Governor said the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana had brought millions of people, particularly women, into the formal banking system. He added that linking women with Self-Help Groups and transferring welfare benefits directly into their bank accounts had strengthened financial inclusion, transparency and economic self-reliance.
Shukla encouraged women and young people to become entrepreneurs by making full use of government financial assistance and incentive schemes for micro and small enterprises. He urged the youth to become job creators instead of job seekers.
Highlighting the importance of national identity, the Governor said Indians are recognised across the world by their identity as Indians, regardless of their region. He urged young people, including those living abroad, to uphold patriotism, Indian culture and national unity. On the occasion, he also unveiled promotional posters encouraging youth to enrol on the MY Bharat Portal.