Women’s Day celebrated at Pakyong
Gangtok: Women’s Day was celebrated on the occasion of International Women’s Week with a theme this year ” Each for Equal: I am Generation Equality: Realizing Women’s Rights” at the community hall, Pakyong today.
The function was organized by Sikkim State Commission for Women, Government of Sikkim.
Hon’ble Area MLA Namchebong Shri Em Prasad Sharma attended the event as chief guest along with Secretary Social Welfare Department Shri Hem Kr. Chettri as a guest of honour.
The programme also had the presence of Hon’ble Chairperson, State Commission for Women Ms Devi Maya Baraily, members of State Commission for Women, members of the self-help groups, voluntary organizations, ASHA workers, Aganwadi workers, police, participants from various organisations from all the four districts and the students from in and around Pakyong.
On the occasion, seven women from various sectors of life who showed their dedication and contributed towards the welfare of Women and Children were felicitated.
Names of the Awardees are:-
1). Aruna Tamang, Counselor Association for Social Health in India (ASHI)
2). Karma Dolma Bhutia, PI Ranipool Thana
3). Roshnila Gurung, DCPO South District
4). Daka Doma Bhutia, ASHA South District
5). Goma Sharma, ASHA East District
6). Bishnu Maya Chettri, ASHA West District
7). Akith Lepcha, ASHA North District
While addressing the gathering Area MLA remembered Kalpana Chawla, Susma Swaraj and other contributions of the women who aided in giving an example to the nation and said that women play an important role in facilitating changes in society.
He stated that women in Sikkim have made great progress and are no less than their male counterparts. He reiterated that the State government will always advocate equality for women in all sectors in order to empower them.
Secretary Shri Chettri in his address expressed his pleasure to be the part of the celebration. He said that all women constitute a valuable human resource and their socio-economic development is imperative for sustainable growth of the economy. Our laws, development policies, plans and programmes are aimed at women’s advancement in different spheres of life. Drawing strength from the constitutional provisions, the Government of Sikkim has been continuously striving towards all round well being, development and empowerment of women, he added.
He informed that the State Government have initiated several path-breaking schemes in the field of social justice and security for the vulnerable section of the Sikkimese society and especially women and children like -30% Reservation for women in Govt. Jobs, 50% Reservation for women in Panchayat Elections
30% Reservation for women in Municipalities, Widow Remarriage: One-time Incentive of Rs. 30,000 is given to the couple after the marriage. Widow Pension of Rs. 1500 per month above 18 years. The pension amount is much higher than the rate specified by the Ministry of Social Justice.
Unmarried women pension Rs.2000 per month.
All government benefits are to be provided in the name of the mother of a family Consent of both the spouses necessary to purchase/sell the immovable property and to withdraw money from General Provident fund Writing names of both father and mother in all official documents mandatory. Extra honorarium for Aganwadi WorKers are being provided by the Health Department for notifying Birth & Deaths. This effort by AWWs has led to 100% Birth & Death registration in Sikkim.
Sikkim has decided to award one AWW from each District annually. They are provided Rs 5000 cash award & Citation certificate.
Once of Rs. 2.00 Lakhs is provided to the ones who marry a differently-abled woman. The State Government has set up the State Resource Centre for Women and also One Stop Centre in all four districts to address the issues of trafficking, domestic violence and sexual abuse. Sikkim is also the first State to extend all the Government benefits in the name of the mother of a family and it is mandatory to write the names of both father and mother to legalize in all official documents.
Further, he informed another striking feature of Sikkim which is the absence of gender differentials among many indicators of human development. Sikkim is also committed to promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment across every sector.
Lastly, he said that the government and the civil society of Sikkim must continue on their committed path of women’s empowerment and development to make Sikkimese society a truly fair society.
A cultural programme by girls of Balika Niketan Children’s Home Gangtok and a skit play on trafficking issues by Arithang Manila Kalyankari Sangh was presented on stage. Also, a film on women trafficking was showcased.
Earlier, the welcome address was delivered by Ms Devi Maya Baraily Chairperson State Commission for Women and the vote of thanks was delivered by Smt. Leela Dulal, Member, State Commission for Women.