Dharamshala: BJP Himachal Pradesh President Rajeev Bindal on Thursday attended the “Nari Shakti Vandan” program in Dharamshala, where he termed the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam a historic step toward strengthening Indian democracy under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The event was attended by several senior BJP leaders, including MLAs Sudhir Sharma, Pawan Kajal, and Vipin Singh Parmar, along with district president Sachin Sharma. A large number of women leaders and participants were also present, highlighting the importance of women’s empowerment.
Addressing the gathering, Bindal said that the perspective of women’s empowerment has evolved beyond welfare and is now focused on strengthening society and the nation through women’s participation. He emphasized that the implementation of the Act will significantly increase women’s representation in Parliament and state assemblies, bringing more balance and inclusivity to policymaking.
Highlighting central government initiatives, Bindal stated that schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana have benefited over 4.27 crore women, with more than ₹20,000 crore transferred directly to beneficiaries.
He also mentioned Poshan 2.0, which is supporting nearly 9 crore beneficiaries through 14 lakh Anganwadi centres, and the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao initiative that has improved the child sex ratio.
Under Mission Shakti, 926 One Stop Centres are providing legal, medical, and psychological support to women, while the 181 women helpline has assisted around 99 lakh women nationwide.
Focusing on economic empowerment, Bindal said that under the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana, 68% of loans have been given to women, with over ₹14.72 lakh crore disbursed for entrepreneurship. Additionally, 10 crore women have been connected through self-help groups, and nearly 3 crore women have become financially independent as “Lakhpati Didis.”
In the health sector, he highlighted a decline in maternal mortality rate from 130 in 2014 to 88 in 2023, along with improvements in child health through the Mission Indradhanush.
Bindal further pointed out that schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, Swachh Bharat Mission, and Jal Jeevan Mission have ensured dignity, safety, and better living standards for women across the country.
Speaking on education, he noted increased enrollment of girls at the secondary level and rising participation of women in higher education and research.
Concluding his address, Bindal said that the Nari Shakti Vandan Act is not just a law but a foundation for building a new India where every woman is empowered, safe, and self-reliant. He reiterated BJP’s commitment to the vision of “Empowered Women, Empowered Society, Empowered Nation.”
