Jammu: Minister for Social Welfare, Sajad Gani Lone Monday informed the House that the Government is conscious about the importance of women empowerment to bring about Gender Responsive Social Transformation in the Society. For this purpose, a State Mission Authority has  been constituted for empowering women socially, economically and educationally under the Chairmanship of Chief Minister.

Replying to a Question by Mubarak Gul, the Minister said that the Mission envisages to bring all women centric programmes of different ministries and departments under one roof for convergence so as to strengthen and protect the interests of women folk in key areas like poverty alleviation, health, nutrition, gender rights, elimination of violence against women, including empowerment of vulnerable and marginalized groups and women in difficult circumstances.

The Minister further said that the Union Government has approved establishment of Women Helpline to assist such women who are affected by violence in private and public places, within the family, community and at work places. He said there are a number of  schemes under implementation for empowerment of women in the state which include, State Marriage Assistance Scheme (SMAS), Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY), Rajiv Gandhi Scheme for Empowerment of Adolescent Girls (SABLA), Kishori Shakti Yojana (KSY), Beti Bachao- Beti Padhao (BBBP), Women Help Line, Integrated with One Stop Centre, Swadhar Greh Scheme, Bank Tie-up/Direct Financing Schemes through Women Development Corporation and SC/ST/BC Development Corporations, said the Minister.

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