The North East Festival as part of the Azadi ka Amrit Mohotsab was observed in Tripura with a theme “Role of Women in development of North East”. The event was jointly organized by Tripura Livelihood Mission and Department of Social Welfare and Social Education under the aegis of Ministry of DoNER.
A regional programme under the North East Festival was held on the theme of Role of Women in development of North East on Sunday. A week long programme is being celebrated by all North Eastern (NE) States which started at Guwahati since 26 of April last. The State level programme was held at Rabindra Satabarshiki Bhawan.
“The region is witnessing speedy growth after Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Government assumed power at the Centre. Earlier, extremism was a big threat and women of the NE Region were the worst sufferers. Tripura Government has initiated several steps to empower women and women are participating in decision making”, said Deputy Chief Minister Jishnu Dev Varma while addressing the gathering.
In the programme women achievers and different officials have participated from all the North Eastern States popularly known as Astalaxmies. The programme was inaugurated by Deputy Chief Minister Jishnu Dev Varma where PratimaBhowmik, Minister of State, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, , Santana Chakma, Minister for Social Welfare and Social Education, Air Marshal. Anjan Kumar Gogoi, member NEC, Jitendra Kumar Sinha, principal secretary, Rural Development Department, A. Roy Secretary of Planning and Coordination Department, Govt. of Tripura, Amara Sarkar Deb, Zila Sabhadipati West Tripura, DebapriyaBardhan DM West Tripura. and Barnali Goswami Chairperson of Tripura Commission for Women were present.
The programme focused on recognition of women who have significantly contributed in socio-economic development of North East India. A total of 19 women achiever from North Eastern states have been awarded.
One achiever from each of the states has also shared their encouraging journey, how they are contributing and making impact on the society which was enlightening and encouraging for other women of the country.
Besides, around 56 women have given award of appreciation for their significant contribution for overall development of State and Society. Apart from this Tripura Rural Livelihood Mission has also uncovered a book containing 50 success stories of rural women Self Help Group members, who are contributing towards building the rural economy of the State and improved their economic condition.
Pratima Bhowmik, taking part in the discussion said, empowered women can make a family, panchayat, State and Nation empowered. She asserted Prime Minister Narendra Modi is working for the development and empowerment of women as well as for protection of their rights.
Referring to implementation of different schemes like Ujjala Yojana, water supply connection for the welfare of women, Bhowmik said 50 percent of the schemes aim at empowering women.
The week long programme being celebrated by all North Eastern (NE) States started at Guwahati on April 26 last and will be concluded on May 4. President of India Ramnath Kovind will attended the valedictory programme scheduled to be held in Guwahati.
While sharing all the dignitaries have highlighted and acclaimed the women reservation policy adopted by the Government of Tripura, which provides for 33% women reservation in all State Govt. and outsourced manpower, in future vacancies, reservation for women as per gender ratio in all higher educational institutions, 3% interest subvention for girl students getting admitted to institutes of National importance, 50% of earmarking of funds for women entrepreneurs in the Venture Capital Fund of State Govt., To encourage women start-ups through collateral free loans, a super-specialty 100 bedded Mother and Child unit would be setup in the Agartala Government Medical College etc.
The North East Festival has also been organised and celebrated across the state by the community level organisations like SHG Village Organisations (VO), Cluster Level Federations (CLF), Blocks, Districts by organising events on women and child development. entrepreneurship development especially with the Jana Bhagadari of women farmer and entrepreneur.
