Shillong, Feb 16: The Congress today made an elaborate statement to woo women voters in Meghalaya promising many steps towards their empowerment and well-being.
A statement issued by the Congress in this regard goes like, “Women form a critical pillar of democracy and development in Meghalaya and for this, we want to create opportunities to make women more self-reliant, confident and financially empowered.
“We as women are proud that Meghalaya is a matrilineal society where women have a strong role and position. Women in Meghalaya are known to be hardworking and efficient. Yet it is observed that many women still have a long way to go to become totally self-reliant and financially empowered.
“When a woman is self-reliant she can be a decision maker for herself and also for her children’s and her family’s future. Congress party is sensitive to the need of women of Meghalaya to have a meaningful source of income with which they will be able to sustain themselves and their family.
“We understand that the needs of women change across age groups and we will work with women for their empowerment. Keeping this in mind Congress Party has proposed initiatives to improve women’s lives –
- We are committed to providing free health care for all our citizens under our soon to be unveiled Free Health Care Scheme.
- We will undertake special entrepreneurship training programmes for women to make them self- sufficient and financially independent.
- A monthly income of Rs.3000 will be provided to all single mothers below the poverty line
- We are committed to providing free education to every girl child in Meghalaya from Kindergarten to XII standard. This initiative of ours will go a long way in empowering every girl-child to fulfil their dreams, ambitions and aspirations.
- We will provide every BPL household with quality roofing materials in a phased implementation.
- We will provide 200 units of free power to each household with consumption expenditure below the poverty line (BPL).
- We will provide free LPG cylinder quarterly to each household with consumption expenditure below the poverty line (BPL).
- We shall establish an exclusive market for women where products with “Proudly Made in Meghalaya” tag will be marketed and sold.
- We are committed to establishing a Special Urban Police Force which will be modern, people-friendly and equipped to handle city-based crime scenarios using the latest technology and equipment and increased reservation for women in the Police Force.
“We would also like to mention that Congress party has always encouraged women in politics. We have had women MLA’s, Women Cabinet Ministers in Meghalaya, Working President at party level, Woman Rajya Sabha MP, Member of National Women Commission’s from Meghalaya. Congress Party acknowledges the importance of women’s participation in the decision-making process in governance.
“This time in Meghalaya the Congress Party has fielded ten women candidates who are accomplished women in their own right. The youngest is 28-years-old. We are happy that they have come forward to serve the people of Meghalaya through the Congress Party. We also appeal to the women of Meghalaya to come forward and support our women candidates.