Men must support women in achieving their dreams: President Droupadi Murmu

President Droupadi Murmu on Wednesday said that economic empowerment of women will lead to the countrys progress and development and said men must support women in achieving their dreams by identifying their capabilities news agency PTI reportedStating that respecting women has been a part of Indian culture she expressed happiness over the growing participation of women in the countrys workforceAs per a study conducted by the Indian government the participation of women in the countrys workforce has significantly increased With the help of the government women are contributing in every sphere But there is a need to put more efforts in this so that their participation rises further the President said adding Men should identify the capabilities of women and help them fulfil their dreams Every woman reaches her goal after many hurdles But hurdles created for a woman can also decrease the speed of the countrys growthWe call our country matrubhoomi motherland and show our respect towards women which has been a part of our culture It should also be reflected in the value system of every family President Murmu saidThe President was addressing a gathering at Udgir in Maharashtras Latur district where beneficiaries of the Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana and Shasan Aplya Dari programmes of the Eknath Shindeled government were being given certificatesDevelopment of women can be achieved through financial inclusion The state is giving monetary help to women through the Ladki Bahin scheme Opening of bank accounts leads women to become part of the financial process Such efforts for strengthening women gives me satisfaction Women use financial sources more effectively than men Murmu addedTalking about the government schemes she said the states stipend scheme to students during their apprenticeship will give them confidenceThis move of the state government is commendable It is working for social financial and educational development and women should take advantage of it become independent and contribute towards the development of the state and the country the President saidWomen comprise half of the countrys population Just as they are in the forefront in running their families they should also contribute to the country Economic empowerment of women will lead to the countrys progress and development she addedThe President said around one crore women in the country have become Lakhpati Didis earning more than Rs one lakh per year of which 13 lakh were from MaharashtraThe central government has now revised the target to 3 crore Lakhpati Didis from 2 crore she saidThe President also advised women to take care of their health while looking after their familiesOnly if you prosper and remain healthy the country will develop and progress she saidPresident Murmu recalled the contribution of some of the prominent women of Maharashtra such as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharajs mother Jijabai social reformer Savitribai Phule saintpoet Bahinabai and social worker Sindhutai Sapkal and said they inspire other womenBefore this event President Murmu inaugurated the Vishwashanti Buddha Vihar in UdgirTalking about the structure she said In Indian culture a lot of importance has been given to meditation It has gained more prominence now owing to the stressful lifestyle So setting up this Buddha Vihar in such times is commendableChief Minister Eknath Shinde was also present at the event He said Many people went against this Ladki Bahin scheme claiming that it is just an election jumla But they never gave anything to anyone If this government is strengthened the amount under this scheme will be increased to Rs 3000Currently the state government hands financial assistance of Rs 1500 to women under the Ladki Bahin schemeShinde said A total of 16 crore women have received aid under the scheme while nearly 24 crore applications have been received for it The application period of the scheme has been extended for the month of SeptemberHe also noted that Maharashtra has become the first state to give Rs 10000 as stipend to studentsDeputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar gave the best Constitution in this world to the country No matter what the Constitution cannot be changed For the country to become a superpower in 2047 we have to design schemes by keeping women at the centre We are strengthening women but some people have gone to court to get this Ladki Bahin scheme cancelled The opposition should not look at this scheme through the political prismMaharashtra Governor C P Radhakrishnan Union Minister of State for Social Justice Ramdas Athawale were among those present for the eventWith PTI inputs