Farooq: Panchayats key to empowerment of women
Tribune News Service
Jammu, November 24
National Conference president Farooq Abdullah today asked women to gear up for the upcoming panchayat elections in a big way, saying the reservation of 33 per cent will enable their larger involvement in the decision-making process in the democratic institutions at the grassroots level.
“Panchayats are key to political empowerment of women,” Farooq said while addressing a day-long women convention at Sher-e-Kashmir Bhavan here this afternoon. The convention was organised by former MLA Bimla Luthra.
He favoured larger role for women in shaping destiny of society and the state, saying, “panchayats and local body institutions could be catalyst of change in this regard.”
“Women continue to suffer from discrimination and conditions are required to be created for their growth as equal partners in the decision-making process. A beginning has to be made by women themselves for their empowerment and economic emancipation,” he said, adding that the opinion leaders among women should fan out in their areas and identify public-spirited candidates for the elections.
Cautioning against machinations of divisive forces, the NC chief called for maintaining a strict vigil as elements inimical to communal amity and harmony would attempt to create mistrust by raising the bogey of religion being under threat and danger.
“Society will progress only when the people maintain their time-tested heritage and isolate those creating wedge for petty political ends. Time has come when forces inimical to peace and unity are completely isolated,” he said, adding that the party cadre should work for forging unity between various segments of society.
Referring to the plight of women in J&K, the NC leader said the present coalition was depriving women of old age and widow pensions. “The prices of essentials and LPG are increasing as a result of which poor are suffering. The jobs have become out of reach for eligible and poor job-seekers. Nepotism and favouritism are ruling the roost,” he added.
