Uttarakhand Government Unveils Groundbreaking Women Empowerment Policy
The Uttarakhand government has introduced a groundbreaking women empowerment policy aimed at enhancing women's roles in employment, entrepreneurship, and leadership. This initiative seeks to ensure women's active participation in decision-making processes at both local and state levels. With provisions for job reservations and the establishment of women assemblies in villages, the policy aims to address historical inequalities. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami emphasizes the importance of empowering women as a cornerstone for societal progress. The initiative also includes various programs to support women in starting businesses and gaining financial independence, positioning Uttarakhand as a leader in women's empowerment in India.
| Jun 29, 2026, 12:21 IST
Introduction of a Pioneering Women Policy
The Uttarakhand government has approved a significant women-centric policy aimed at empowering women in the state. This initiative seeks to transition women from merely relying on government schemes to becoming integral players in employment, entrepreneurship, leadership, and rural development. The timing of this policy is particularly relevant as discussions around women's leadership in development are gaining momentum across the nation.
Direct Involvement in Jobs and Business Decisions
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has consistently emphasized the importance of initiatives that economically and socially empower women. Through this new policy, the government aims to expand women's roles beyond household responsibilities and agriculture, encouraging their direct involvement in jobs, businesses, and significant decisions affecting villages.
Vision of Chief Minister Dhami
According to CM Dhami, "Women are the backbone of Uttarakhand's society. Our government believes that without empowering women, society cannot progress. This is why we have launched several special initiatives aimed at bringing about substantial change in the future." During his tenure, CM Dhami has implemented significant measures, including a 30% reservation for women in government jobs and cooperatives.
Empowering Women at the Village Level
A standout feature of this policy is its focus on empowering women at the grassroots level. Historically, women's voices in village development and budget planning have often been overlooked, but this policy addresses that gap. Under the new framework, special 'Women Assemblies' will be established at the gram panchayat level, allowing women to contribute their perspectives on development decisions, thereby prioritizing issues related to safety, health, and education in administrative planning.
Reservation in Jobs and Cooperatives
To foster economic independence among women, CM Dhami has introduced a robust reservation system.
30% Reservation in Government Jobs: This significant decision has led to a steady increase in the number of women in government services in Uttarakhand, boosting their confidence and providing financial stability to their families.
33% Reservation in Cooperatives: In addition to job opportunities, 33% of seats in the cooperative sector have been reserved for women. This will empower women to assert their voices in financial transactions and major business decisions in rural areas.
Women Making Strides in Various Fields
The Uttarakhand government has established a comprehensive system to support women in starting their own businesses and exploring new income avenues. Under the 'Mahila Sarthi Yojana' launched in Dehradun, women are now earning by operating auto-rickshaws and two-wheeler taxis. Additionally, various government initiatives are propelling women into the business sector.
Lakhpati Didi Yojana: This program aims to strengthen women's self-help groups, enabling them to earn over one lakh rupees annually.
Drone Didi Yojana: Women in villages are receiving high-tech training to operate drones for modern agriculture.
Other initiatives like the Chief Minister's Sashakt Bahna Utsav Yojana and the Single Women Self-Employment Scheme provide crucial support for women looking to start small businesses or cottage industries independently.
Overall, Uttarakhand is presenting a model to the nation where women are not just beneficiaries of schemes but are becoming a driving force behind the state's progress.