National Conference Additional General Secretary and former Minister Ajay Kumar Sadhotra today said that the party has pioneered several landmark initiatives aimed at women’s education, employment, political participation and social emancipation, according them greater dignity, confidence and a sense of pride.
Addressing women workers of the National Conference at Netar Kothey Ward No. 67 in Jammu North Assembly Constituency. Meeting was organized by Ayesha Gupta Incharge Jammu North Assembly Women Wing, Kamla Rani and Santosh Rani.
Sadhotra said the empowerment of women has remained an integral part of the party’s political and social philosophy. He said the National Conference has consistently worked towards creating opportunities for women to participate meaningfully in education, governance, economic activities and nation-building.
Sadhotra said the National Conference has consistently strived to secure a place of honour, dignity and emancipation for women through successive governments led by Sher-e-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah, Dr Farooq Abdullah and now Chief Minister Jenab Omar Abdullah.
He said this sustained commitment shows the party’s enduring belief that the progress of Jammu and Kashmir is inseparably linked with the empowerment, education and equal participation of women in every sphere of life.
Referring to various initiatives undertaken over the years, Sadhotra highlighted the provision of 50 per cent reservation for girls in medical colleges, 33 per cent reservation for women in Panchayats, Municipalities and other local bodies, besides the promotion of Self-Help Groups and other welfare-oriented schemes aimed at improving women’s economic independence.
He said these measures have helped women gain greater representation in public life and opened new avenues for education, employment and leadership.
“When women are empowered, families become stronger, communities progress and society moves forward,” he observed.
Sadhotra also referred to the free bus service and other incentives extended to women as important steps towards facilitating their mobility, education and participation in economic and social activities.
Such initiatives, he said, have enabled women, particularly those from economically weaker sections, to access opportunities that were earlier beyond their reach.
Recalling the historic contribution of the National Conference in promoting women’s education, Sadhotra said the Madr-e-Meharban played a significant role in encouraging female literacy and education in Jammu and Kashmir.
He said the initiative demonstrated the party’s long-standing commitment to social reform and the advancement of women.
He said the efforts of successive National Conference governments and leadership have left a lasting imprint on the social development of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in creating an environment where women could aspire for education, employment and leadership without social barriers.
Sadhotra urged women workers to remain actively engaged with the people and spread awareness about the party’s policies and programmes. He said women have always been an important pillar of the National Conference’s organizational strength and their participation is essential for strengthening democratic institutions and social harmony.
He called upon the women workers to work with dedication, humility and commitment towards addressing the concerns of common people. He said the party believes in inclusive development and equal opportunities for all sections of society.
The former Minister expressed confidence that with the active participation of women, the National Conference would continue to strengthen its grassroots presence and contribute towards the welfare and progress of Jammu and Kashmir.
Others who spoke on the occasion are Ayesha Gupta, Kamla Rani, Santosh Rani, Nishu Kumari, Sulekha Kumari, Tilak Raj Bhagat, Ved Prakash Sharma, Sandeep Singh Manhas. Additional General Secretary J&K National Conference and former Minister Ajay Kumar Sadhotra after the meeting of women workers at Netar Kothey Ward No. 67 in Jammu North Assembly Constituency.