Jahangeer Ganaie
Shopian, Jul 12: Asserting that “women-led development is key to eradicating terrorism and ushering in lasting peace and prosperity in Jammu and Kashmir, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday reiterated the government’s firm commitment to empowering women and promoting their leadership in the developmental journey of the Union Territory.
Addressing the valedictory function of women vocational training course at Army Goodwill School Balapur here in South Kashmir Lieutenant Governor said, “Under PM Modi’s guidance women’s empowerment has been transformed into a mass movement in Jammu and Kashmir. The social and economic upliftment of women has been our top priority. I strongly believe that women-led development will lead us to overcoming challenges like terrorism, drug addiction, other social evils, and to build a peaceful and prosperous J&K.”
The Lieutenant Governor highlighted that initiatives like homestay programs launched five years ago have seen remarkable participation by women. “Today, 58% of homestays are being run by women. This is not just entrepreneurship—it is empowerment in action,” he said.
He emphasized the urgent need to bridge the gender gap across sectors. “We must fill in the gaps between men and women in all spheres—economic, social, and administrative. Promoting the women workforce is not optional; it is essential,” Sinha said.
Calling women the true symbols of Atmabalidaan (self-sacrifice) and Sahas (courage), he said women have often demonstrated greater capabilities than men. “If one woman is empowered, she uplifts an entire family and, by extension, society. That is why women’s empowerment remains a top priority of our administration.”
He also referred to flagship governance programs like Back to Village, under which women have been provided 40% reservation and access to loans up to Rs 20 lakh without the need for guarantees. “Such progressive measures have ensured that more women can now dream big and turn their aspirations into enterprises,” he said.
Underlining the role of Nari Shakti in grassroots development, LG Sinha revealed that “in university convocations across J&K, 75% of the gold medals have been bagged by girl students—a clear indication of the changing dynamics and the rise of women in every field.”
“Our villages are progressing because of the contributions of women. They are not just beneficiaries of change—they are the catalysts,” he said, adding that women-led growth is crucial for dismantling the ideological and social roots of terrorism.
The Lieutenant Governor assured that the administration would continue to create policies and platforms to unlock the full potential of women in J&K. “Our development story will only be complete when women stand equally in every sector—empowered, respected, and leading the way forward.
He felicitated the women trainees who completed their vocational training and life enhancement skill courses at the school and five other entrepreneurship and livelihood enhancement centres at Pulwama, Kulgam, Budgam, Anantnag and Pampore.
Citing flagship schemes like the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM), Umeed, and Tejaswini, the Lieutenant Governor said these programs are not just financial tools but platforms of transformation. “Through these initiatives, women are receiving skill-based training, financial assistance, and mentoring. This has enabled them to set up their own businesses and gain social and economic independence,” he said.
“Local SHGs, especially in rural belts like Shopian, have been active in sectors such as horticulture, food processing, tailoring, and agri-business. The confidence on their faces says it all—they believe in themselves, and they believe in the future,” the LG added.
He said that the UT’s economy has doubled in the past five years, a feat made possible by good governance, improved law and order, and increased public participation in developmental processes.
“This growth is not just in numbers—it reflects in better roads, schools, digital infrastructure, and livelihoods. We are hopeful that this trend will continue this year as well,” he said
Sinha lauded Monica Pal Bharti, her entire team of Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar Vikas evam Sewa Sansthan, Project Toha Social, and the Indian Army for the initiative of women empowerment and providing vocational training to 1,481 women, including 125 women trainees of the recently concluded training course.
Paying homage to Bhim Rao Ambedkar, the LG said Baba Saheb was the pioneer of women’s rights and women’s empowerment, and his timeless values and resolve for selfless service, equality, and social justice continue to guide the nation.
