On Friday 25th January 2013 Shri Narendra Modi addressed Balam Sukham Mahila Sammelan in Dang district. The programme was a part of the state level celebrations of the 64th Republic Day that were held in Dang district. Shri Modi spoke about the State Government’s determination to further make Gujarat’s Nari Shakti and Matru Shakti as prominent stakeholders in Gujarat’s development journey. Giving the examples of Mission Mangalam and Mission Balam Sukham, the Chief Minister pointed out that these are steps that the state Government has taken to enhance economic development among women and eradicate the evil of malnutrition.
The Chief Minister called upon women to join actively participate in Sakhi Mandals and contribute to the development journey of Gujarat. He also called for greater awareness for the menace of malnutrition.
He also expressed concern at the menace of female foeticide and said that that there is no state in India where the killing of the girl child is not taking place. On the contrary, he shared that the Dang district presented a contrasting picture where for every 1000 males there are 1007 females and this has given an inspirational message of gender equality.
Shri Modi stated that to further empower women, children and integrate them in the decision making process, the State Government has set up the Women and Child Department. He declared that Gujarat is a state that does not levy stamp duty on property that is registered in the name of a woman. In addition he declared that it is mandatory in the schools of Gujarat to write the name of the Mother.
The Chief Minister said that efforts are being made to promote skill development among women and to provide better healthcare services to the women of Gujarat.
President of Dang Zila Panchayat Shri Bibiben Chaudhary was present on the occasion.