Sri Muktsar Sahib/Chandigarh, December 2:
“Women are achieving remarkable milestones in every domain, breaking barriers and contributing significantly to society,” declared Cabinet Minister Dr. Baljit Kaur. She was addressing the state-level inaugural event held at village Danewala, Malout, as part of a groundbreaking health and employment camp dedicated to empowering women.
Dr. Baljit Kaur emphasized that the camp’s primary objective is to protect women from life-threatening diseases like cancer and to create employment opportunities for young girls. Over 500 women registered for cancer screening, showcasing the camp’s impact on raising health awareness. Simultaneously, the camp facilitated a placement drive where 209 young women participated. Remarkably, 134 of them were offered jobs by seven leading companies on the spot.
“This initiative is a one-stop solution, bringing together a range of essential services for women under one roof,” said the Minister. Various departments set up specialized stalls, including those offering healthcare facilities, widow and old-age pensions, employment placement services, yoga sessions, and more. She also highlighted key schemes like the Sponsorship Program, providing widowed mothers with a monthly incentive of ₹4000 for their children, and low-interest loans to support economic independence.
In a significant move, the Minister distributed cheques worth ₹67.32 lakh under the Ashirwad Scheme to 132 beneficiaries, each receiving ₹51,000.
Dr. Baljit Kaur reiterated the Punjab Government’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding women’s rights and ensuring they are aware of the numerous benefits available to them. She announced that similar camps would be organized in every district to ensure every woman get government services and schemes.
Adding a cultural touch to the event, schoolchildren performed captivating programs, earning applause from the audience. The Minister also distributed track suits to 149 athletes, school bags and water bottles to 100 girls, and T-shirts and bags to beneficiaries under the Sponsorship Program.
The event witnessed the esteemed presence of senior officials and community leaders, including Special Chief Secretary of Social Security, Women and Child Development, Mrs. Raji P. Srivastava, Special Secretary Mrs. Vimmi Bhullar, Deputy Commissioner Mr. Rajesh Tripathi, SDM Malout Dr. Sanjeev Kumar and several other dignitaries, alongside a large gathering of residents.
