SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today expressed satisfaction over the progress of ‘Umeed’ Scheme launched in the state.
He described it an effective means to empower women and help them earn independent livelihood besides participating in the socio- economic betterment of women constituting 50 per cent of the population.
Addressing the beneficiaries of ‘Umeed’ at Khansahib in the central Kashmir after interacting with the leaders of various groups organised under this Scheme, the Chief Minister said welfare of women is imperative for the holistic development of the society.
He said the development is lopsided without the welfare of women.
Mr Abdullah said involvement of women at grass root levels to transform the socio-economic status of women and open new windows for women development could be achieved through programmes like ‘Umeed’.
He stressed the need for bringing more and more women under its fold and organising their groups to work in unity to seek welfare and fight social evils.
The Chief Minister said after ensuring participation of women in Panchayat elections by making reservation for them, the ‘Umeed’ Scheme is yet another imitative aimed at empowerment and welfare of the women particularly living in villages.
He said he was happy to see the enthusiasm in women to participate in the socio-economic welfare schemes to earn respectable livelihood and create a society free from evils and atrocities.
