CM Bhagwant Singh introduces the slogan: “Empowered Women, Empowered Society.”
Emphasizing the vital role of women in society’s overall progress and development, Punjab CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stressed on Sunday that empowering women is key to uplifting the entire community.
Speaking at the Women Empowerment Summit at ISF College, the Chief Minister praised Indian women, especially Punjabi women, for their outstanding contributions to modern society. He highlighted the significant role women play in fostering social and cultural unity and raising global awareness. CM Bhagwant Singh noted that women have immense potential to drive prosperity and development worldwide.
The Chief Minister also acknowledged the increasing involvement of Indian women in safeguarding the nation’s borders. He urged society to rededicate itself to improving the status of women and ensuring they receive their rightful place. Highlighting the importance of implementing welfare and empowerment programs, CM Bhagwant Singh called for active participation from social and non-governmental organizations to bring about transformative change.
He pointed out that such efforts could revolutionize the socio-economic status of women, particularly young girls, by encouraging broader societal awareness. Commending the MNC Grant Thornton for initiatives that have boosted women’s incomes, he assured continued government support. CM Bhagwant Singh revealed that 10,000 women beneficiaries associated with these efforts have seen significant improvements, with household incomes increasing by an average of 40% due to various initiatives.
CM Bhagwant Singh lauded Grant Thornton’s focus on capacity-building, including training 25 women as drone pilots, and emphasized the need for education and opportunities to empower girls to achieve extraordinary feats. He reiterated the government’s commitment to creating opportunities for women to showcase their abilities and become integral to Punjab’s socio-economic growth.
Recognizing the vital contributions of women entrepreneurs, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann praised their role in the state’s economic development. He highlighted the government’s initiatives to support these entrepreneurs, ensuring they have the resources needed to thrive. He also stressed the importance of promoting women’s entrepreneurship as a means of fostering economic and social development in Punjab.
Sharing personal reflections, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann cited the profound influence of his mother and noted the importance of empowering women. He praised the products made by women at the event and emphasized the need for global platforms to showcase Punjabi crafts like Phulkari. He envisioned women entrepreneurs leading the way in making Punjabi products world-renowned.
Drawing comparisons with the contributions of Chinese women to their country’s economic power, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann expressed confidence in Punjabi women’s ability to excel in producing world-class products. He cited examples such as providing sewing machines to women and placing school uniform orders to support their entrepreneurial ventures, reinforcing the government’s dedication to empowering women for Punjab’s brighter future.
The Chief Minister shared that women are currently preparing uniforms for 25 private schools and the Punjab Police. He also visited women-led FPC (Farmer Producer Companies) stalls showcasing products such as cold-pressed mustard oil, Basmati rice, honey, desi ghee, atta biscuits, pickles, drone technology, and handcrafted terracotta art. CM Bhagwant Singh Mann envisioned these FPCs as catalysts for empowering women in the future.
He emphasized the importance of restoring Punjab’s glory and positioning it as a leading state in the country. The Chief Minister highlighted his government’s dedication to meeting public expectations by implementing pro-people, development-focused policies. He identified health, education, power, water, and infrastructure as the administration’s top priorities, ensuring that no effort is spared in these areas.
Discussing opportunities for the youth,CM Bhagwant Singh Mann stated that the state government has provided around 50,000 government jobs purely based on merit and is committed to creating new avenues for their growth. He stressed the importance of involving young people in Punjab’s socio-economic development.
Taking a dig at Akali leaders, the Chief Minister remarked that it would be inappropriate to comment on those facing consequences for their misdeeds, referring to them as paying the price for their actions. He accused Sukhbir Singh Badal of avoiding accountability and attempting to mislead by apologizing for sins he claims he never committed.
Earlier, Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khuddian commended the Chief Minister for spearheading several key initiatives aimed at empowering women.