Chandigarh, Mar 8 (FN Agency) Defence forces combat units were bereft of women power till now but on this day ie International Women’s day Capt Amarinder Singh annnounced their induction soon along side launching a slew of projects to empower women. Also,to mark the day ,government bus ride was made free for women and the day was celebrated with host of announcements.
While virtually launching several women-centric projects in collaboration with UN and other specialised global agencies and special Saanjh Shakti police helpdesks and helpline for women, the Chief Minister underlined his government’s commitment to the welfare of women, with more opportunities to enable their growth and development. Pointing to women now occupying positions of eminence across the globe in the new transforming world, Capt Amarinder cited the examples of PepsiCo chairperson, which is headed by an India-born woman, and the women pilots flying not just airplanes but even Rafale fighter jets. He recalled that a Hoshiarpur girl, Tania Shergill, had become the first Indian woman Parade Adjutant at the Republic Day parade 2020. It was a matter of time that India will see women in combat units of the defence forces too, as in Israel and some other countries, he added.
He expressed satisfaction at the fact that girls have been consistently outperforming boys in examinations, supplementing incomes of poor families through self-help groups, and even serving the nation in the defence forces, while performing their everyday role as a mother, wife, sister and daughter. He called upon the people of Punjab, especially the students, to work towards ensuring equity, justice and equality for women as, with the empowerment of women, no society or household could truly progress. The Chief Minister pointed out that the state government had already provided 33 per cent reservation in government jobs and 50 per cent reservation in elections to Panchayats and Municipal Bodies.