CM Mann Praises Women Entrepreneurs at Moga Summit

Underlining the crucial role of women in the overall progress and development of society, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Sunday said that empowering women is pivotal for empowering the entire society.

Addressing the Women Empowerment Summit at ISF College, the Chief Minister complimented Indian women in general and Punjabi women in particular for their marvelous contributions towards women's empowerment in modern society. He said that in today's society, women play a decisive role in fostering social and cultural cohesiveness, thereby bringing awareness among humankind worldwide. Bhagwant Singh Mann said women have tremendous potential to usher in an era of prosperity and development across the globe.

The Chief Minister said that today, Indian women also share the responsibility of safeguarding the country's international borders. He said that such functions are an appropriate occasion for all of us to rededicate ourselves to making strenuous efforts to raise the status of women and ensure their rightful place in society. Emphasizing the need to percolate policies and programs pertaining to women's welfare and empowerment, Bhagwant Singh Mann said this can be duly done through the voluntary participation of social and non-governmental organizations.

The Chief Minister said this could play a pivotal role in bringing about a revolutionary transformation in the status of women in general and the girl child in particular, leading to socio-economic awakening in society. Lauding the MNC Grant Thornton for transforming women's lives by supplementing their income, he assured them of full support and cooperation. Bhagwant Singh Mann said it is heartening that 10,000 women beneficiaries who are members of these companies have benefited through various activities.

The Chief Minister said that after the company's intervention, women's and household incomes increased by an average of 40% through various initiatives. He also lauded the company's practice of capacity-building of about 25 women members of FPCs into drone pilots, adding that the single-point motive is to give fillip to women's empowerment by supplementing their income. Laying thrust on the all-round development of girls by equipping them with quality education, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that given an opportunity, girls could accomplish any stupendous task and easily achieve their target.

The Chief Minister said that due to this, the need of the hour was to provide them with more and more opportunities to showcase their abilities, adding that the state government was leaving no stone unturned for this noble cause. Bhagwant Singh Mann also praised women entrepreneurs for their valuable contributions to the state's economic growth. He said that with their hard work, dedication, and commitment, the women of the state are becoming an integral part of the state's socio-economic growth.

The Chief Minister also acknowledged the significant impact of women on the progress of Punjab and the prosperity of its people. He highlighted the state government's initiatives to support women entrepreneurs to make them equal partners in the state's progress. Bhagwant Singh Mann reiterated his government's commitment to women's empowerment, ensuring they receive the necessary support and resources to thrive.

The Chief Minister said that by promoting women's entrepreneurship, the state government aims to foster economic growth, social development, and a brighter future for Punjab. He said that the people of the state have bestowed a huge responsibility on the state government by giving them a whopping mandate. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that it is the bounden duty of the state government to work hard for the well-being of the people and the progress of the state.

Citing his own mother's influence and the phrase "Word of Mother" that renowned scientists couldn't define, the Chief Minister highlighted the importance of women's empowerment. Bhagwant Singh Mann said he was impressed by the products created by women at the function and emphasized the need for a platform to sell these products globally. He shared his vision of showcasing Phulkari and other Punjabi products worldwide, inspiring women to become entrepreneurs.

The Chief Minister noted that China's women play a significant role in the country's world-class products, contributing to its economic power. He said that likewise, given a chance, Punjabi women can also carve a niche for themselves by producing these world-class products. Giving an example, he said that the Punjab government has provided sewing machines to women and placed an order for school uniforms from them.

The Chief Minister said that currently, 25 private schools and the Punjab Police uniforms are being prepared by these women. He also visited the FPC stalls of women, including those of Cold-Pressed Mustard Oil, Basmati Rice, Honey, Desi Ghee Atta Biscuits, Pickles, Drone Technology, and Handcrafted Terracotta Art. Bhagwant Singh Mann envisioned that these FPCs will act as a catalyst for empowering women in the coming times.

The Chief Minister said that it is the need of the hour to restore the pristine glory of the state and make Punjab a frontrunner state in the country. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that by God's grace, his government is leaving no stone unturned to come up to the expectations of the people, and top priority is being accorded by the government to implement pro-people and development-oriented policies. He said that health, education, power, water, and infrastructure sectors are the top five priorities of his government, and no stone is being left unturned for it.

The Chief Minister said that the state government is committed to providing ample opportunities for the youth to excel in life, and so far, around 50,000 government jobs have been provided to them. He said that further new avenues will be opened for youth to ensure they become active partners in the socio-economic growth of the state. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that it is a matter of immense pride and satisfaction for him that till date, all these youth have been selected for these posts purely on the basis of merit.

Taking a dig at the Akali leaders, the Chief Minister said that though it will be unfair to comment on those who attend Gurudwara functions with broken legs as they are paying for their misdeeds. He said that mistakes can be forgiven, but the Akalis have committed sins that are unpardonable. Bhagwant Singh Mann accused Sukhbir Singh Badal of hiding facts and running away from the truth by asserting that he tendered an apology before Akal Takht for sins he never committed.

Earlier, Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khuddian praised the Chief Minister for taking on several important projects for women's empowerment.