Uttarakhand Leads with 30% Horizontal Reservation for Women: A Leap Towards Empowerment
The government of Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami in Uttarakhand has launched a pioneering initiative for women’s empowerment by introducing horizontal reservations for women in public services and posts. This reservation is supplementary to the existing ones within the state. To formalize this, the state government has enacted the Horizontal Reservation for Women Act 2022. This particular reservation benefits female citizens of India whose domicile of origin is in Uttarakhand.
Additionally, the Dhami Government has prepared a draft women’s policy, marking a first for the state. Although there were existing policies aimed at the welfare of women, they were fragmented. Now, a comprehensive policy is being formulated to empower women in every aspect comprehensively.
Key Highlights:
- Historic Legislation for Women: Uttarakhand government enacts the Horizontal Reservation for Women Act 2022, introducing a groundbreaking 30% reservation for women in government jobs and public services, enhancing their representation and opportunities.
- Comprehensive Women’s Policy: For the first time, a holistic draft policy aimed at empowering women is prepared, covering critical areas such as education, health, economic participation, and property rights, marking a significant stride toward gender equality.
- Innovative Schemes and Supports: Launch of various schemes including the Chief Minister Mahalaxmi Scheme, Lakhpati Didi Scheme, and protection rights, focusing on improving the welfare and economic status of women across the state.
- Focus on Education and Health: Implementation of targeted programs like the Kishori Shakti Yojana and Matritva Sahayog Yojana to support girls’ education and women’s health, ensuring a brighter future for the next generation.
- Entrepreneurship and Economic Empowerment: Introduction of the Udyogini Scheme and financial incentives under the Uttarakhand Startup Policy to promote women entrepreneurs, aiming to foster self-reliance and boost women’s participation in the economy.
Under the leadership of Uttarakhand Chief Minister Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami, significant strides have been made towards the holistic development of women in the state. Notably, a draft prepared by the State Women’s Commission proposes granting property rights to women for the first time. This draft, developed in collaboration with various ministries and state departments, encompasses numerous schemes related to women and girl students’ education, health, food security, economic participation, and policymaking involvement. Importantly, it focuses on the advancement of single women.
The state government, under Chief Minister Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami’s guidance, has implemented a 30 percent horizontal reservation in government jobs for women. This reservation extends to positions in various government-supported organizations and autonomous institutions. Beyond this, several schemes have been launched, including the Women Empowerment Scheme, Chief Minister Mahalaxmi Scheme, Lakhpati Didi Scheme, Chief Minister Anchal Amrit Scheme, Chief Minister Self-Employment Scheme, and Nanda Gaura Matru Vandana Scheme, among others.
The Women Empowerment and Child Development Department of Uttarakhand has introduced numerous schemes aimed at uplifting women. One such initiative, the Integrated Child Development Services, provides assistance to girls aged 1 to 6 years and their mothers, focusing on nutrition, vaccination, and health check-ups.
Other notable schemes include the Kishori Shakti Yojana for girls aged 11 to 18 years not in school, offering support to BPL families; the Chief Minister Mahalaxmi Yojana, which annually aids 50,000 women beneficiaries; and the Sabla Yojana, targeting adolescent girls’ development in specific districts.
Furthermore, the Matritva Sahayog Yojana offers cash assistance in installments at the birth of a child, the Swadhar Yojana supports poor women in housing construction, and the Ujjwala Yojana assists women forced into immoral activities. The STEP Scheme provides self-employment training, while protection from domestic violence is ensured through dedicated women officers and NGO collaboration.
Special schemes like the Gaura Devi Kanyadhan Yojana and the Teelu Rauteli Award recognize and support women and girls for their achievements. Additionally, schemes such as the Mukhyamantri Mahila Sashaktikaran Yojana aim at creating sustainable livelihoods for destitute and vulnerable women.
The Udyogini Scheme encourages women entrepreneurs, supported by financial aids and honors for outstanding achievements. The state also rewards Angan Bari women for exceptional work and enforces the Dowry Prohibition Act rigorously, with mandatory marriage registration statewide.
Through these comprehensive measures, Uttarakhand is setting a precedent for women’s empowerment and development, showcasing the state government’s commitment to creating a supportive environment for women to thrive.
Empowering Women Entrepreneurs in Uttarakhand
The state government of Uttarakhand has taken significant steps to bolster women entrepreneurs, illustrating its commitment to fostering an inclusive economic environment. Key to these efforts is the introduction of specialized schemes aimed at supporting women in starting and expanding their businesses.
The Udyogini Scheme stands out as a flagship initiative to promote women entrepreneurs in the state. Targeting rural and illiterate women, the scheme aims to enhance their skills, making them aware of market dynamics and enabling them to navigate the challenges of entrepreneurship successfully. By focusing on skill improvement and market awareness, the Udyogini Scheme empowers women to contribute significantly to the economy and their communities.
Furthermore, the Uttarakhand government has established the CM Advisory Group to foster a supportive ecosystem for startups. Under the Uttarakhand Startup Policy, financial incentives are provided to encourage women to venture into entrepreneurship. Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe women entrepreneurs are eligible for financial assistance of Rs 15,000 for launching a startup, while women from the general category can avail of Rs 10,000. Moreover, for innovative projects, women entrepreneurs can receive financial support up to Rs 5 lakh, with Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe women eligible for up to Rs 7.5 lakh.
These financial incentives are complemented by recognition programs that honor outstanding women entrepreneurs, further encouraging their participation in the state’s economic development. The Uttarakhand Industries Department also plays a crucial role by hosting a dedicated women’s branch that assists women entrepreneurs in overcoming their business challenges.
In addition to these entrepreneurial supports, the state’s schemes for women’s empowerment cover a wide range of areas including education, health, and welfare, ensuring a holistic approach to improving the lives of women and girls across Uttarakhand.
By implementing these comprehensive schemes, the Uttarakhand government underscores its dedication to creating a nurturing environment for women entrepreneurs, empowering them to achieve their full potential and contribute to the state’s prosperity.
