Expressing concerns that very few women are accessing welfare schemes launched by the Central government, Tara Manchin Hangzo, chairperson in-charge, Manipur State Commission for Scheduled Tribe (MSCST) on Thursday suggested every eligible woman should avail the schemes just like their fundamental rights.
Addressing the one-day seminar on “Awareness and Implementation of Women Related Central Government Schemes” at Hotel Imphal Sangai Conference Hall, Imphal, Tara Manchin Hangzo expressed that women unable to access their schemes is like being deprived of their fundamental rights.
The programme was organised by Manipur State Commission for Women under the sponsorship of National Commission for Women.
The government of India had launched various women-oriented welfare schemes to uplift the status of this section of society. But in reality, the schemes are not being implemented in an inclusive manner as majority of the women are still yet to avail it, she said.
Lack of awareness about the schemes, reluctance due to necessity of many documents while applying for it are the major reasons of having minimum beneficiaries, she added while suggesting the need of simplifying the process of accessing the schemes and publishing about the notification of schemes in the media for wide publicity.
She also mentioned that as an encouragement to working ladies, there is a need to set up hostels for them in every district. Apart from this, she also raised concern of not having a single rehabilitation centre for trafficked women.
Function president, Manipur State Commission for Women, Thumlip Tiningpham Monsang said that around 50 per cent of the world population are female. But they are still considered a deprived section despite the fact that various movements and initiatives are being taken up to empower them, she said.
Considering financial instability is the root cause to categorise women as weaker section, the government of India had launched many schemes. Availing such schemes would surely help to uplift the economic status of women, she added while urging every eligible woman to access the benefit of welfare schemes.
Member, MSCW, Lourembam Dayabati Devi also attended the function as guest of honour.
