Jammu, March 8 (Scoop News) – On the occasion of “International Women Day”, BJP Mahila Morcha organized a functionin Jammu, the highlight of which was the felicitation of eminent women who have distinguished themselves in different spheres of life. “Naari Shakti Kendra” was also inaugurated by Morcha President Sakina Bano alongwith Morcha leaders in presence of BJP State President Shamsher Singh Manhas in the office premises with a motive to provide counselling and assistance to the needy and poor women of the society.
BJP State President Shamsher Singh Manhas, while speaking on the occasion, said that the womenfolk in India constitute almost half of the population but unfortunately they are still to get their due. It has been witnessed that the women have proved their capability in every sphere provided they are given an opportunity. Stating that BJP has all along been working for the welfare and upliftment of the women, Manhas said that ours is the only political party in country which has granted 33 per cent reservation to women in its organizational set up and has time and again assured to support any such legislature which ensures empowerment of women. He, while congratulating those honoured by the BJP Mahila Morcha, said that these distinguished women could also make place for themselves in the society because of the support that they had received from their respective families and the society at large.
Mahila Morcha State President Sakina Bano, on this occasion, said that although we are living in a modern and advanced society, the male-dominated society do not digest a woman progressing as a woman is still considered as an individual who should remain confined to the kitchen. She said that the BJP has set an example for other political parties by ensuring reservation for women within the organization and the others should take lesson and pave way for political empowerment of women-folk. She appealed the people to treat the male and female child equal and provide them equal opportunities to grow, get education and achieve what they dream of
Usha Choudhary, Dr. Nirmal Kamal, Shilpi Verma, Purnima Sharma, Rajni Sethi, Sheela Handoo also spoke on the occasion.
Prominent women who were honoured with presentation of momentos and citations included Prof. Champa Sharma, a reknown dogri writer, Smt. Nasreen Khan, Educationalist and Smt. Raj Bharti, Commissioner Scouts & Guides.
Mahila Morcha General Secretary Priya Sethi presented vote of thanks.
In another function a women rally was organized by JKNPP Women Power, deep concern was conveyed to the echelons of power in the Centre and State about the discrimination towards the women in different disciplines of the society in Jammu and Kashmir. The Women Power in a resolution expressed shock on the attitude of NC-Congress government for ignoring the law on ‘domestic violence against women’ when the law has been made for the entire country. The committee demanded revival of the bill against domestic violence which was moved by Prof. Bhim Singh in the Legislative Council in 2006 and has been duly admitted and also cleared by the Select Committee. The Women Power stated that the bill once admitted in the Legislative Council does not become in-fructuous as the Upper House never dies.
Ms. Anita Thakur, General Secretary-JKNPP and Chairperson of Women Power accused the State Government for ignoring the Women Commission and appointment of women parliamentarians, administrators and social activists on the government boards which have been monopolized by male gender for the past 60 years.
She said that deposit of 5,000 rupees in the name of newly born female babies of BPL families is a big joke against the women as the baby child could only be able to withdraw that amount if she passes out 10+2. She said that 90% children in the poor and the wretched societies never get an opportunity even to reach threshold of school because of poverty and rags in their families.
The Women Power demanded 50% reservation in all the government and private sectors as well as in the Legislature. That is the only way to deliver justice to the women folk who have remained exploited and neglected by the government as well as by the so-called elite society.
The Women Power also demanded de-recognition of a national or state party which failed to give 50% representation to the women in the election of Parliament or Legislature. Let the big mouthed politician prove their credentials.
The prominent women leaders who participated included Manju Singh (Member-Working Committee), Vijay Lakshmi, Shakuntla Singh Chib, Ganeshi Devi, Meena Kumari, Shakuntla Devi and others.