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Rs 4.49 Lakh Crore allocated for women’s
development in this year budget, marking a significant increase from previous
years
Women’s Labour force Participation Jumps from
23.3% in 2017-18 to 41.7% in 2023-24
Union Minister of Women and Child
Development, Annpurna Devi, visited Dibrugarh, the industrial capital of Assam,
to assess and review the progress of various women and child welfare
initiatives in the state. Addressing the media during a press conference, she
highlighted the remarkable strides made under the visionary leadership of Prime
Minister Narendra Modi.
Annpurna Devi encouraged community
participation in fostering sustainable livelihoods and economic empowerment for
women. She applauded the relentless efforts of grassroots workers and assured
continued government support in expanding opportunities for skill development
and financial independence. Further highlighting Assam’s progress under the
Double Engine Government model, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief
Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, the Minister commended the state’s remarkable
efforts in preventing child marriage, strengthening maternal and child
healthcare, and promoting women’s empowerment through skill development and
entrepreneurship programs.
Significant Achievements towards
Social and Economic Development
Women’s Labour Force Participation: Increased
from 23.3% in 2017-18 to 41.7% in 2023-24, driven by state-led employment
programs.
Strengthened Nutrition Programs: Enhanced
investment in early childhood nutrition programs like SNP (Supplementary
Nutrition Program) and Mission Poshan 2.0 to combat malnutrition.
Reflecting the government's steadfast
commitment to women-led development, the Union Budget 2024-25 has allocated
substantial resources to empower women, support children, and strengthen family
welfare programs. Annpurna Devi highlighted the following key budgetary
allocations:
Gender Budget: Rs 4.49 lakh crore allocated for women’s development in
this year budget , marking a significant increase from previous years.
Stand-Up India Scheme: Ceiling limit for term
loans has been increased up to ₹2crore for first-time women entrepreneurs.
Infrastructure Development: Special emphasis
on rural electrification and infrastructure projects to improve the quality of
life for women in remote areas.
With landmark projects like the Bogibeel
Bridge and India-East Asia connectivity initiatives, Assam is emerging as a hub
of economic activity and industrial expansion. The establishment of AIIMS
Guwahati and technology parks is paving the way for improved healthcare
facilities and job opportunities in the region.
Infrastructure Development
Milestones:
Since 2024, 11,824 km of new railway tracks
have been constructed in the Northeast and Eastern regions, surpassing previous
milestones.
Railway Budget: Increased fivefold from Rs 2,122
crore in 2009-14 to Rs 10,440 crore in 2025-26.
"Over the past decade, under the
leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Assam has witnessed remarkable
infrastructure growth, ensuring better connectivity, healthcare facilities, and
employment opportunities for its people," Annpurna Devi remarked.
Women in Assam are playing a crucial role in
shaping the state’s economic and social landscape. The government’s initiatives
have empowered women to take on leadership roles in various sectors, from
entrepreneurship to governance. The Minister reiterated the government’s pledge
to continue its mission of women-led development, ensuring every woman and
child in Assam has access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.
Key Highlights of Women Empowerment
Initiatives:
Rs 5,000 crore allocated for setting up
working women hostels in key industrial zones.
12 crore toilets and 12 crore tap connections
have been provided over the past 10 years, improving sanitation and clean water
accessibility.
The Minister concluded her address by
reaffirming the government’s dedication to strengthening Assam’s socio-economic
landscape. She expressed confidence that with the continued support of the
people and the robust policies of the government, Assam will continue to scale
new heights in development and prosperity.
