MP Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has said that a new era has to be ushered in for sisters and daughters.

Sisters and daughters should not depend on others for their small needs, they should not have to extend their hands in front of anyone, for this the state government is making every possible effort, he said.

So far more than 51 lakh sisters have joined the livelihood mission. We will not rest until every poor sister joins this mission. Poverty is a curse and we will not let any sister remain poor. Sisters should move ahead unitedly in the livelihood mission and work together with the state government to make their lives better, he said.

The state government is ready to provide necessary cooperation and guidance at every step. The birth anniversary of Mahatma Jyotiba Phule, is very important day for women empowerment. Mahatma Phule worked tirelessly for the education and empowerment of women despite strong resistance, he said.

Chouhan was interacting with the sisters of cluster organisations of self-help groups.

Large number of immovable properties made in the name of the sisters

Chouhan said that it is our mission to improve the lives of sisters. Ladli Laxmi, Mukhyamantri Kanya Vivah-Nikah Yojana and schemes for assistance on child birth were started to change the thinking of the society which differentiates between son and daughter and to end the misconduct towards sisters. To empower women, half the seats in urban bodies and panchayats were reserved for them. As a result, at present more than 17 thousand sisters have been elected and are holding responsibilities on various posts. To make women economically, socially empowered and to have their own identity, only one percent stamp duty is being charged on the purchase of immovable property by women. Due to this, a large number of sisters are owning immovable properties. Special efforts are also being made to provide bank linkage to the sisters. Self-help groups will have to pay only 2 percent interest on the loan. All these activities will increase the entrepreneurship and economic self-reliance of the sisters. The self-confidence of the sisters is getting a boost and their social status is changing. This is a social revolution, sisters are no longer helpless, but they are Narayani.

It is important to believe in yourself

Chouhan said that this day is a very important day from the point of view of women empowerment. Today is the birth anniversary of Mahatma Phule, the pioneer of social equality and women’s education. Mentioning the work done by Mahatma Phule for women education, untouchability, upliftment of Dalits, Chief Minister Shri Chouhan said that Mahatma Phule believed that believing in oneself, knowing the truth, removing caste discrimination and empowering people through education is essential to build a healthy society.

We will not let the sister-daughter remain weak

Chouhan said that the life of sisters will change with the Ladli Bahna Yojana. The sisters of Aajeevika Mission should cooperate in filling the forms of all the eligible sisters of their respective areas. Also, ensure that no eligible sister is deprived of the benefits of the scheme. Raise your voice against any kind of misconduct with sisters and oppose such elements by getting organized. The ahatas running along with liquor shops have been closed by the state government for the purpose of protecting the sisters and making their lives better. Ladli Bahna Sena is also being formed in every village and every ward. We will not let our sisters and daughters remain weak.

Women who had not travelled by bus or train got a chance to travel by air after joining the mission

Chouhan discussed with Smt. Meena Chauhan, president of Prerna Sankul of Betul district, Smt. Seema Rajak of Shivpuri, Smt. Rajni of Sagar and Smt. Renu Patel of Dewas district. Smt. Meena Chauhan said that the women who had not travelled in the bus or train have got the opportunity to travel by air after joining the Livelihood Mission. Smt. Seema Rajak said that her Sankul has provided loans worth Rs. 2 lakh 70 thousand to various groups. Smt. Rajni told that 2 thousand 783 women of her area have become millionaires due to the activities of the Livelihood Mission. His cluster is also organizing job fairs for the youth. Smt. Renu Patel told that it was possible for her to build a pucca house only as a result of joining the group.

Women associated with the mission are buying vehicles, TVs, fridges and washing machines

Minister of State for Panchayat and Rural Development Ram Khelawan Patel said that as a result of the resolve of Chief Minister Chouhan, women are getting freedom from poverty. The process of their economic and social empowerment is going on continuously. It was informed that the standard of living of the women associated with the Livelihood Mission is continuously improving. 16 thousand 813 women associated with the mission have bought four wheelers and 2 lakh 58 thousand women have bought two wheelers like scooter-motor cycle. In this sequence, 92 thousand women have bought land/plot, 5 lakh 44 thousand 815 women have bought television, 1 lakh 48 thousand 826 women have bought fridge and 29 thousand 931 women have bought washing machine. Visioning exercise is also being done for the women associated with the mission. In this, information related to their future priorities is obtained. Livelihood Mission is also continuously organizing necessary training for its members.

Information about the products of SHGs will be available from the catalogue

Chouhan lit the lamp and inaugurated the interaction programme in the Chief Minister’s residence premises and welcomed the women by showering flowers. After the Madhya Pradesh anthem, short films focused on the activities of self-help groups were screened in the programme.

Chouhan also released a catalogue of the products of the groups.

Chouhan was presented a letter of felicitation by the women from Dewas and Chanderi angavastram by the women of Ashok Nagar. Panchayat and Rural Development Minister Shri Mahendra Singh Sisodia, departmental officers and presidents of cluster level organizations of self-help groups participated.

It may be mentioned that 39 thousand 258 village organizations and 1350 cluster organizations are working in the state. 51 lakh 63 thousand women have become self-dependent by joining 4 lakh 33 thousand self-help groups in the state. Chouhan also interacted with the presidents of cluster level organizations.