Srinagar – Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh has observed a significant surge in aspirations among women in Jammu & Kashmir, attributing it to the region’s mainstreaming under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. According to the Minister, this change is characterized by increased self-confidence, growing competitiveness, and expanding leadership roles across various sectors.
Dr. Singh emphasized the increasing role of women from Jammu & Kashmir as equal participants in India’s growth narrative. He noted their excellence in competitive exams, startups, self-help groups, science, technology, and public service. Information reaching TahirRihat.com suggests that this transformation has fostered a new wave of empowerment among women in the region.
Addressing “Shakti Samwad,” an interactive meeting with State Women Commissions organized by the National Commission for Women (NCW) at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC), Dr. Singh highlighted a decade of democratized opportunities. He believes these opportunities have propelled women from mere participation to leadership positions in various professions and institutions. He also called for a corresponding shift in societal attitudes to accommodate women’s increasing prominence in leadership roles across almost every field.
The event, spearheaded by NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar and attended by Additional Secretary NCW Ms. B. Radhika Chakravarthy, along with senior officials, members of State Women Commissions, and representatives from various States and Union Territories, underscored institutional collaboration and women empowerment. The program prioritized grassroots outreach and the sharing of best practices to ensure safety, dignity, and equal opportunities for women nationwide.
Dr. Jitendra Singh lauded the National Commission for Women for extending its engagement beyond conventional conference settings and policy discussions, stressing the importance of directly engaging with women at the grassroots level. Highlighting the significance of hosting the national-level interaction in Srinagar, he communicated a powerful message regarding the value placed on Jammu & Kashmir and its female population. He voiced confidence that the ongoing “Shakti Samwad” interaction would further stimulate the contribution of women from the region in India’s journey towards Viksit Bharat 2047.
Reflecting on Jammu & Kashmir’s rich cultural heritage, Dr. Singh recalled iconic women personalities from the region’s history, such as Lal Ded and Habba Khatoon, who profoundly shaped and preserved Kashmir’s composite cultural ethos through literature, spirituality, and social influence.
Dr. Singh acknowledged the immense social and emotional hardships endured by women in Jammu & Kashmir during nearly three decades of terrorism and instability and the irreparable losses suffered by many families. He expressed optimism that the improved environment in recent years has created pathways for women to reconnect with the national mainstream and participate fully in the developmental transformation underway across the region.
According to Dr. Singh, the abrogation of Article 370 and the subsequent expansion of welfare initiatives have allowed women in Jammu & Kashmir to increasingly enjoy the same opportunities and benefits as their counterparts in the rest of the country. He cited flagship schemes launched under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, including Ujjwala Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, Mudra Yojana, and the Lakhpati Didi programme. These initiatives, he said, have brought about significant socio-economic changes by improving living standards, enhancing financial independence, and bolstering self-confidence among women.
Dr. Singh observed that the impact of these interventions is now evident in the growing presence of women in competitive fields and leadership roles. He cited examples from Civil Services, space technology, scientific research, and engineering, emphasizing that women are currently leading major national missions and achieving excellence in pioneering sectors through merit and capability. (Dr. Jitendra Singh said, “women today are leading major national missions and excelling in frontier sectors through merit and capability.”)
The Minister also highlighted inspiring success stories of young women from remote districts of Jammu & Kashmir who have excelled in national-level examinations despite facing limited resources and challenging circumstances. He attributed this to the technology-driven democratization of education and access to information, which has empowered talented youth from remote regions to compete confidently on national platforms.
Dr. Singh also drew attention to the initiatives undertaken by the Ministry of Science & Technology to promote women in STEM sectors, referencing programs like Vigyan Jyoti and WISE-KIRAN. These programs, he stated, are designed to encourage girls and women to pursue careers in science, research, and innovation. He further noted that dedicated provisions have been introduced to support women scientists seeking to re-enter their professional careers after family-related breaks.
Dr. Jitendra Singh concluded by reaffirming the significant transformation witnessed in Jammu & Kashmir, emphasizing the pivotal role women are playing in shaping the region’s future.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.
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