Nagrota (Jammu) : Recalling the path-breaking role of National Conference in socio-political empowerment of women in Jammu and Kashmir, Provincial President Devender Singh Rana on Saturday said if voted to power the party will strive for their 33 per cent reservation in the Legislative Assembly.
He referred to the recent assertion of the NC President Dr Farooq Abdullah in this regard and said, “Women’s larger participation in parliamentary democracy and decision making will go a long way in harmonious growth of the society as also instilling a sense of confidence in them”.
“National Conference has a track record of empowering women socially and politically, be it 33 percent reservation in the civic bodies and panchayats or 50 per cent share in the medical colleges of the State”, Rana said while addressing the women workers of the party this morning. He said women constitute almost half of the state population and they cannot be deprived of their legitimate rights in governance.
Rana said that women of the state have proven to be second to none and given opportunity they have the capacity and capability to lead the society in different spheres. They have already made their mark in various fields, especially the academics with girls outshining boys over the years. In this context, he also referred to the achievement registered by a Mendhar girl, who cracked the Civil Services Exam-2018 with flying colours. He congratulated Dr Rehana Bashir and hoped that she will prove an inspiration for the young girls all over.
The Provincial President exhorted the women to come forward and take a lead role in politics, saying National Conference has all along been providing them a platform to grow. He hoped that women participation in parliamentary democracy will greatly help in eschewing growing tendencies of hate and intolerance in the polity, as by nature they possesses lot of compassion and affection for the humanity.
Referring to the political scenario, Rana urged the cadre to gear up for meeting challenges faced to the State and said efforts will have to be redoubled to restore peace and strengthen harmony. He said history stands testimony how National Conference withstood challenges by offering numerous sacrifices to uphold the dignity of the people, which is under threat presently. He said the party has a track record of serving people of all the three regions, irrespective cast, creed and religion, adding this spirit is needed to be sustained and promoted by weathering all odds unitedly. He said focused attention is needed to fullfil the deep yearning of people to live dignified and peaceful life. He reiterated that National Conference is committed to uplift the conditions of poor and weaker segments of society.
On the occasion, several prominent women workers addressed the gathering and highlighted issues pertaining to their empowerment and economic emancipation. They recalled the great contribution of the National Conference, especially Madr-e-Mehrban in promoting female literacy and initiating various vocational activities for their economic empowerment.
