Shimla(QNN)
Sustainable economic growth is unthinkable without women empowerment, and measures for gender inclusion is the driving factor for social progress and economic growth of any nation. This was stated by the Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur while presiding over the State level function at Jogindernagar in Mandi district today on the occasion of International Women’s Day today. Jai Ram Thakur said that the State Government was committed towards women empowerment alongwith gender equality and has taken several steps in this direction. He said that a separate Gender Budget Statement containing details of all major schemes devoted to women welfare and empowerment have been presented in the Budget for the financial year 2022-23. He said the Gender Budget Statement would be helpful in monitoring schemes being implemented for women empowerment and will also help in reviewing them in consultation with women beneficiaries of these schemes. Chief Minister said that the State Government has decided to provide social security pension to all in the age group 60 years without any income limit. He said that Grihini Suvidha Yojna was started in the first budget of the present State Government to provide free gas connection to needy families. He said that over 3.25 lakh free gas connections were provided under this scheme. He said that girl of BPL families were being provided Rs 31,000 as Shagun at the time of their marriage under the Shagun Yojna. He said that under Mukhyamantri Swavalamban Yojna 35 per cent subsidy would be provided to women entrepreneurs. Jai Ram Thakur said that monthly honorarium of Anganwadi workers, Anganwadi Assistant and Asha worker have been increased considerably. He said that sewing teachers, mid-day meal workers, Water Carrier (Education Department), Jal Rakshak, Multi Purpose Workers, Para fitters and Pump Operators have also been increased significantly. He said that the Anganwadi Workers would now get Rs.9,000, Mini Anganwari Workers Rs.6,000, Anganwari Sahayikas Rs.4,600, Asha Workers Rs.4,700, Silai Teachers Rs.7,850, Mid-Day Meal Workers Rs.3,400, Water Carriers in Education Department Rs.3,800, Water Guards Rs.4,400, Multi-Purpose Workers of Jal Shakti Vibhag Rs.3,800, Para Fitters and Pump Operators Rs.5,400 as per month honorarium. He said that daily wages of daily wagers have been increased by Rs 50 per day to Rs 350 per day. He said that with this every daily wagers would get Rs 1500 additional per month.