‘Respect for Sisters – Respect for Strength’: Over 1,500 Women Tie Raksha Sutras to Minister of State for Forests; Government Committed to Women’s Empowerment

Jaipur, Aug 2025 : Minister of State for Forest and Environment (Independent Charge) Shri Sanjay Sharma participated in the ‘Respect for Sisters – Respect for Strength’ Raksha Sutra programme held in Alwar on Monday. At the event, more than 1,500 women tied Raksha Sutras on the Minister, who in return presented them with gifts as a token of goodwill.

Addressing the gathering, Shri Sanjay Sharma assured the women that he would stand as a shield for them in times of crisis. He recalled Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s belief that maternal power plays a crucial role in the nation’s progress. To strengthen women’s role in governance, PM Modi ensured 33% reservation for women in Parliament and State Assemblies, while earlier state governments provided 50% reservation for women in municipal and panchayati raj elections.

Highlighting women’s empowerment initiatives, the Minister spoke about several schemes, including the Lakhpati Didi Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana, Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao, Lado Incentive Scheme, Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana, subsidised LPG cylinders under the Ujjwala scheme (at ₹450), Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, PM Mudra Yojana, Rajeevika self-help initiatives, and the Household Toilet Scheme, all aimed at making women self-reliant and empowered.

‘One Tree in Mother’s Name’ & Matru Van:
The Minister further said that inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call for the ‘One Tree in Mother’s Name’ plantation drive, Chief Minister Shri Bhajanlal Sharma has launched the Hariyalo Rajasthan campaign to turn the state green. Last year, Rajasthan set a record with the plantation of 7.35 crore saplings, and this year, under the campaign, over 11 crore saplings have already been planted against the target of 10 crore. Just as a mother nurtures her children, people must nurture trees to safeguard the environment, he said. To honor women, the state government has also established Matru Vans (Mother’s Forests) in every district.

Commitment to Solving Alwar’s Drinking Water Crisis:
Shri Sharma also reiterated his commitment to resolving Alwar city’s drinking water issues. He said that the entire MLA fund had been allocated for drinking water projects, with additional funds and tubewells secured from the state government. A project to supply water from Silisedh to Alwar city is underway, while a concrete canal from Natni Ka Bara to Jaisamand is being developed to raise groundwater levels. A dam is being built at Bakhreda, with three more dams planned around the city, alongside water harvesting systems. He added that the state government is expediting work on the ERCP Project, which will provide a permanent solution to the region’s drinking water challenges.