Patna: The state cabinet on Tuesday approved the proposed expenditure of Rs 225.78 crore, which would be incurred on organizing the ‘Mahila Samvad’ programme across the state from around mid-December, focussing on themes related to women’s empowerment achieved under the leadership of CM Nitish Kumar.
The cabinet also gave its nod to the proposal of the minority welfare department to engage self-help group (SHG) members or Jeevika Didis to provide services in the state minority residential schools.
While themes of the details of the programme have not yet been made official, it is understood that the CM would embark on his ‘Mahila Samvad Yatra‘ around mid-December. In the ‘yatra’ he would have direct communication with women on the achievement of their empowerment since he came to power in November 2005. The proposal of ‘Mahila Samvad’ was moved by the rural development department (RDD).
The CM’s interface with the women on the issues related to them is considered significant, as the state Assembly elections are due next year.
Since November 2005, the Nitish govt has taken several measures for uplift of women. He has introduced school uniforms and bicycle for girl students, reserved 50% seats in the three-tier Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and local urban bodies, gave 35% quota in govt jobs, promoted formation of the women’ self-help groups (SHGs) under the Jeevika programme.
Underscoring the govt’s concern for women’s empowerment and further expansion of the activities of the Jeevika Didis, the cabinet gave its approval to the proposal of the minority welfare department to engage them in various activities in the state minority residential schools.
The activities include preparing food for students, supply of school uniforms for students, cleaning of the minority residential school campus and laundry. The rates of remuneration to be paid to the Jeevika Didis for these activities would be decided in consultation with the terms and conditions of the scheduled caste and scheduled tribe welfare department.