Nari Shakti Vandan Programme: Women Key to Realising ‘Developed India’ Vision, Says CM Bhajanlal Sharma

Jaipur, April 2026 : Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma on Friday said that women will play a central role in achieving the vision of a developed India, emphasising that their empowerment is integral to national progress.

Addressing the Nari Shakti Vandan programme held at the Chief Minister’s residence, Sharma said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the country is moving forward with the resolve of building a developed India, with women at its core. He highlighted that the Nari Shakti Vandan Act has paved the way for 33 percent reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies, which will significantly enhance their participation in politics.

He added that the “double engine government” has linked women’s empowerment with every aspect of life and encouraged women to pursue their dreams confidently. “Give wings to your aspirations; our government stands firmly with you,” he said.

The Chief Minister noted that Indian culture has always emphasised women’s empowerment, with women playing a vital role not only in managing households but also in contributing actively to the development of the nation and the state.

He said that since 2014, the central government has prioritised women’s upliftment through schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana, Jan Dhan Yojana, Stand-Up India, women self-help groups, Namo Drone Didi scheme, and Lakhpati Didi initiative. Under the Lakhpati Didi scheme, around 20 lakh women in Rajasthan have received training, with over 16 lakh achieving the “Lakhpati Didi” status. He also noted that initiatives like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao have strengthened the foundation of women’s empowerment.

Sharma further highlighted that houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana are being allotted in the name of women, while free LPG connections have been provided under the Ujjwala scheme. He added that the construction of toilets under the Swachh Bharat Mission has ensured dignity for women, and uninterrupted drinking water supply is being provided through the “Har Ghar Jal” initiative.

Focusing on health and nutrition, the Chief Minister said that special attention is being given to women’s well-being. Under the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana, financial assistance of Rs 5,000 is provided to pregnant and lactating women by the Centre, which the state government has increased to Rs 6,500. So far, over 11.58 lakh pregnant women in Rajasthan have received assistance amounting to Rs 576 crore under the scheme.

He added that pregnant women are also receiving free sonography services under the Maa Voucher Yojana. Other initiatives such as PM Poshan Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Surakshit Matritva Abhiyan, Mission Indradhanush, and Saksham Anganwadi are also being implemented. He also mentioned the recent launch of the HPV vaccination campaign from Ajmer, aimed at protecting young girls from cervical cancer.

Speaking about youth empowerment, Sharma said the government has introduced a youth policy to promote entrepreneurship. Under the Mukhyamantri Yuva Swarozgar Yojana, interest-free loans are being provided to encourage self-employment. “Our aim is not only to create job seekers but also job providers,” he said.

He added that while previous governments saw incidents like paper leaks affecting youth aspirations, his government has ensured a clean system with no such incidents. The state aims to generate 4 lakh jobs in the government sector and 6 lakh in the private sector. So far, over 1.25 lakh appointments have been made, and recruitment for another 1.25 lakh government jobs has been initiated.

Women and students from across the state expressed gratitude for the Nari Shakti Vandan Act and welfare schemes. Many also interacted with the Chief Minister and took selfies during the event. Senior officials and a large number of women and students were present on the occasion.