Women should equally participate in development of society: Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah Bengaluru:Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said that women, too, should take part equally in the progress of the state. He was speaking after launching the ambitious Shakti scheme here on Sunday, which is one of the five guarantee schemes, that provides free travel to women in government buses. Shakti scheme is a programme for women. Women, who make up half of society, have been exploited for centuries. Minorities and women are deprived of opportunities and literacy, he said.
The Chief Minister said that women's participation is about 53% in America, 54% in China, 57% in Australia and 57% in Indonesia. In Bangladesh, it amounts to 30% whereas in India it is just 24%. He said that after 2014, this rate has come down to 24% from 30% in the country. Countries, which have more women participation will develop. Economic and social inequalities in society can be gradually erased when women are empowered, he opined.
Also read:Karnataka women can travel up to 20 km inside border states free of cost in buses under 'Shakti' scheme: Siddaramaiah
"The poor belonging to all castes and religions will be empowered economically and socially. So, the Griha Jyoti scheme will be implemented from July 1. We will work towards economic and social empowerment of the poor belonging to all castes and religions. We have no caste or religion. During our previous tenure, we have fulfilled 158 promises out of 165," he explained.
There is no question of going back on promises. Rs 59,000 crore is required to implement all the guarantees. It doesn't matter how much money we are spending, but it is important to whom we are giving, he said. "We have promised to give 10 kg food grains to BPL and Antyodaya card holders and Rs 10,100 crore is required. Karnataka should become a hunger-free state. People without food know the pain of hunger," he pointed out.
Women can use this facility from 1 pm today. All women will be given smart cards. This scheme is applicable to girl students, too. The Chief Minister explained that there are no middlemen to avail of these schemes and will reach the beneficiaries directly, he informed.
On the occasion, the Chief Minister released the logo of the Shakti scheme and smart card in pink colour. Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, Transport Minister Ramalinga Reddy, Energy Minister KJ George, Primary and Secondary Education Minister Madhu Bangarappa, MLA Rizwan Arshad, Chief Secretary Vanditha Sharma and other dignitaries were present.
