SRINAGAR, May 17: Union Minister of State for Science & Technology, Dr Jitendra Singh, stated on Friday that the integration of Jammu and Kashmir into the national mainstream has significantly boosted the aspirations of women in the region. He noted a marked increase in their self-confidence, competitiveness, and leadership roles across various sectors.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that Dr. Singh was addressing an interactive meeting, “Shakti Samwad,” organised by the National Commission for Women (NCW) for State Women Commissions at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC). He highlighted that women from Jammu and Kashmir are now increasingly recognised as equal partners in India’s developmental progress, achieving success in competitive examinations, entrepreneurial ventures, self-help groups, and contributing to science, technology, and public service.
The Minister elaborated that the past decade has seen a democratisation of opportunities, allowing women to transition from mere participation to assuming leadership positions in numerous professions and institutions. This transformation, he asserted, necessitates a concurrent shift in societal perspectives as women increasingly take the lead in diverse fields.
The event was presided over by NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar and attended by Additional Secretary Ms. B. Radhika Chakravarthy, senior officials, members of State Women Commissions, and representatives from various states and Union Territories. The programme, part of the NCW’s ongoing initiative to enhance coordination with State Women Commissions, focused on fostering institutional collaboration, empowering women, extending grassroots outreach, and exchanging best practices to ensure women’s safety, dignity, and equal opportunities nationwide.
Dr. Singh commended the National Commission for Women for extending its engagement beyond formal discussions and policy deliberations to establish direct connections with women at the grassroots level. He remarked that holding this national-level interaction in Srinagar sends a powerful message about the importance placed on Jammu and Kashmir and the capabilities of its women. He expressed optimism that the “Shakti Samwad” interaction would further stimulate the contributions of women from the region towards India’s vision of a developed nation by 2047.
Recalling Jammu and Kashmir’s profound civilisational heritage, Dr. Singh referenced historical female figures such as Lal Ded and Habba Khatoon, who significantly influenced Kashmir’s composite cultural identity through their contributions to literature, spirituality, and social discourse.
The Minister acknowledged the substantial social and emotional adversities faced by women in Jammu and Kashmir during nearly three decades of militancy and instability, which resulted in profound losses for many families. He noted that the improved environment in recent years has created new avenues for women to reintegrate with the national mainstream and actively participate in the ongoing developmental transformation of the region.
Dr. Singh further explained that following the abrogation of Article 370 and the accelerated expansion of welfare programmes, women in Jammu and Kashmir are now benefiting from opportunities and provisions comparable to those available to women across the rest of India. He cited flagship schemes initiated under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, including the Ujjwala Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, Mudra Yojana, and the Lakhpati Didi programme, as instrumental in driving significant socio-economic changes by enhancing the ease of living, promoting financial independence, and bolstering self-confidence among women.
The impact of these interventions, according to Dr. Singh, is evident in the growing representation of women in competitive fields and leadership roles. He provided examples from civil services, space technology, scientific research, and engineering, illustrating how women are now spearheading major national missions and excelling in advanced sectors based on their merit and competence.
The Minister also highlighted the inspiring achievements of young women from remote districts of Jammu and Kashmir who have excelled in national examinations despite facing resource constraints and challenging circumstances. He attributed this success, in part, to the technology-driven democratisation of education and improved access to information, which empowers talented youth from remote areas to compete confidently on national platforms.
Dr. Singh drew attention to initiatives by the Ministry of Science & Technology aimed at promoting women in STEM fields, such as Vigyan Jyoti and WISE-KIRAN, designed to encourage girls and women to pursue careers in science, research, and innovation. He also mentioned specific provisions to support women scientists returning to their professional careers after family-related breaks.
The transformation observed in Jammu and Kashmir today, Dr. Singh concluded, mirrors the nation’s broader commitment to inclusive development and women-led progress. He stated that women from the region are now moving forward with enhanced confidence and aspiration, actively contributing to India’s developmental trajectory towards 2047.
The Chenab Times News Desk