New Era of Women Empowerment in Uttarakhand
Women empowerment in Uttarakhand is witnessing a transformative shift under the visionary leadership of Honourable Chief Minister Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami. His progressive policies and government-backed initiatives are redefining the role and rights of women across the state. With a deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by Uttarakhand’s women—especially those in remote and hilly regions—Chief Minister Dhami has introduced targeted programs that are not just changing lives but rewriting the narrative of gender equality in the region.
Women: The Pillars of Uttarakhand’s Society
In Uttarakhand, women have always been the backbone of family and society, especially in rural and hilly areas where they shoulder multiple responsibilities. Recognizing this, the state government has introduced empowerment schemes rooted in the realities of women’s lives. While earlier efforts laid the foundation post-state formation, it is the Dhami administration that has taken these initiatives to new heights with inclusive, well-planned, and impactful actions.
Inclusive Initiatives for Every Woman
The state government has ensured that women from all walks of life—be it from Scheduled Castes, Tribes, minority communities, or urban working women—benefit from these schemes. Central government initiatives for women empowerment are also being implemented as a top priority in Uttarakhand.
According to the 2011 census, women make up 49.06% of the state’s population. Uttarakhand’s women have historically taken the lead in environmental conservation and have shown strong awareness about ecology, despite limited formal education. Empowering them economically and socially remains at the heart of the state’s development strategy.
🚺 Key Milestones in Women Empowerment
✅ Job Reservation & Leadership Opportunities
- 30% horizontal reservation in government jobs for women is a landmark step.
- Reserved seats in Panchayati Raj Institutions and Urban Local Bodies aim to promote women in leadership roles.
- 33% reservation in cooperative societies further strengthens their socio-economic participation.
🎓 Focus on Girls’ Education
Recognizing education as the first step towards empowerment, the Nanda Gauri Yojana supports girls with:
- ₹12,000 on birth
- ₹51,000 upon passing class 12
Additional programs:
- Maha Lakshmi Kit Yojana provides nutritious food for newborn girls.
- Janani Shishu Suraksha Program ensures safe motherhood.
- Swadhan Yojana offers support to women in crisis.
- Free education in Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas for underprivileged girls.
💪 Economic Empowerment at the Core
🌱 Flagship Schemes:
- Lakhpati Didi Yojana (2022): Offers financial aid up to ₹1 lakh for women’s self-help groups. Over 1 lakh women have become ‘lakhpatis’ under this scheme.
- Interest-free loans of ₹5 lakh promote women-led startups and self-employment.
- Mukhyamantri Sashakt Behna Utsav Yojana: Financial support for goat rearing and rural livelihood.
- Stamp duty concessions for women purchasing property promotes asset ownership.
- Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana: Free LPG connections to reduce kitchen hardships.
🏆 Recognition and Rewards:
- The Teelu Rauteli Award honors women’s outstanding contributions with ₹51,000, a certificate, and a memento, awarded annually on the birth anniversary of the brave Veerangana Teelu Rauteli.
🛵 Mahila Sarathi Yojana: A Transport Revolution
On the occasion of Women’s Day, the state launched the Mahila Sarathi Yojana, a groundbreaking initiative to:
- Train women as e-scooter drivers.
- Provide employment opportunities in public transportation.
- Improve women’s mobility and safety in urban areas.
Key Features:
- 10 e-scooters launched as part of a 6-month pilot project.
- Special driving training by the Transport Department.
- GPS tracking, safety helplines, and dedicated mobile app (similar to Ola/Uber) for easy booking.
- This initiative will soon expand to other cities based on pilot success.
⚖️ Historic Leap: Uniform Civil Code in Uttarakhand
On January 27, 2025, Uttarakhand became the first state to pass the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), a historic legal reform promoting gender equality and individual rights.
Salient Provisions:
- Equal inheritance rights for daughters.
- Mandatory marriage registration and fixed marriageable age.
- Ban on polygamy and practices like triple talaq and halala across all religions.
- Legal rights for children born from live-in relationships.
While Scheduled Tribes are exempt from this law considering cultural sensitivities, the state’s progressive step is being hailed as a model for national reform. This monumental code ensures:
- Justice for women in civil matters.
- Security in marital relationships.
- Equal property rights.
- Protection against exploitation in outdated personal laws.
🌏 A Model for the Nation
Uttarakhand’s bold and inclusive approach to women empowerment—both at the grassroots and policy levels—is setting a national example. From economic independence to social justice, from education to legal rights, the state is nurturing a new generation of empowered, self-reliant, and confident women.
The journey has just begun, and the wind of change is blowing stronger than ever.
