 Early Times Report
Jammu, Feb 12: The Jammu and Kashmir National Conference Provincial President, Jammu, Rattan Lal Gupta on Thursday reaffirmed that the party remains steadfast in its commitment to providing meaningful opportunities to women and ensuring their holistic development across social, political and economic spheres.
He was addressing a meeting of the Provincial Women’s Wing office bearers at Sher-e- Kashmir Bhawan, Jammu. Speaking on the occasion, Gupta highlighted the landmark initiatives undertaken by successive NC governments under the visionary leadership of Sher-e-Kashmir Late Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, Dr. Farooq Abdullah, and Omar Abdullah to empower women and bring them at par with men in decision-making and economic participation.
Gupta recalled that it was the National Conference that pioneered progressive reforms such as 50 percent reservation for women in medical colleges, significantly expanding opportunities for higher education and professional growth. He also underscored recent pro-women measures, including free bus travel for women, enhancement of various social welfare pensions, and increased financial assistance under marriage support schemes aimed at easing the burden on economically weaker families. “The Omar Abdullah-led government is resolutely carrying forward the pro-women vision enshrined in the party’s manifesto,” Gupta said, adding that the focus is not merely on welfare but on ensuring women’s active participation in governance and public life. He emphasized that the party envisions women occupying positions of leadership and influence in political institutions, local bodies, and grassroots governance.
Gupta further stated that, under the guidance of Party President Dr. Farooq Abdullah, the National Conference is committed to ensuring substantial representation for women in the upcoming Urban Local Body (ULB) and Panchayat elections. “Women are not just beneficiaries of policy; they are equal stakeholders in shaping the future of Jammu and Kashmir. The National Conference will continue to open doors for them in every sphere,” he asserted.
Calling upon the Women’s Wing to strengthen outreach at the grassroots level, Gupta urged them to take the party’s message of empowerment, dignity and equal opportunity to every household. He said the NC firmly believes that the progress of Jammu and Kashmir is inseparable from the progress of its women, and pledged that the party will continue to champion policies that uphold their rights, aspirations and leadership.
Among others who were present in the meeting included:- Bimla Luthra former MLA and State Vice President Women Wing, Deepinder Kour former MLC, Pardeep Bali Provincial Secretary Jammu, Satwant Kour Dogra Provincial President Women Wing Jammu, Shamim Begum DDC Dansal, Vijay Laxmi Datta Senior leader, Rajni Devi Working President Women Wing Jammu, Dilshad Malik, Rita Gupta Vice Presidents Central Zone,Shama Akther former Corporator, Pinky Khalsa Senior leader and others. |
