Large turnout of enthusiastic women from across the state

Karnataka BJP’s Nari Shakti Sangam

Karnataka BJP’s Nari Shakti Sangam

R Guruprasad

As a mark of respect towards women  and to keep up the promise of  implementing  schemes to uplift  the cause of women development, the Karnataka  Government will spend a whopping Rs 37,000 crore for the welfare of women and children in the state during 2012-13. It was announced by Karnataka Chief Minister DV Sadananda Gowda at Nari Shakti Sangama – a huge convention of women held at Palace Grounds in Bengaluru on March 31.

Addressing the gathering Shri Gowda said, “BJP is  a disciplined party and party workers are the backbone of the organisation.  Party acknowledges the support of women in establishing a first ever BJP Government in South India.” He further said a mother who  inspires her children to be patriotic, will bring  tremendous change in the society.

Inaugurating the convention, BJP national spokesperson Nirmala Sitharaman appreciated the Karnataka Government’s stand towards women and child development and said the convention should act like a preparation meeting  to  work towards the goal of  bringing the BJP Government again to power in the state by getting absolute majority in the coming elections. She said: “It is an unforgettable event as this huge convention is happening in the presence of Shri Sadananda Gowda who has allocated a huge funds of Rs 37000 crore in the state budget for the various schemes for women and child development”. She also mentioned that the Bhagyalakshmi Scheme of Karnataka is very popular and it is bringing a high reputation to the  BJP Government.

In his budget speech the Chief Minister had mentioned that a gender budget with a total outlay of Rs 38845 crore is being presented as part of the overall budget. This outlay indicates direct and indirect benefits envisaged for development of women during 2012-13. It is remarkable to note that  Karnataka Government  has earmarked Rs 795 crore for the nutrition programme and  Rs 12.5 crore for promoting  activities of Stree Shakti groups.

Speaking on the occasion, State BJP president  KS Eshwarappa admitted that there are some  differences of opinion among the party leaders and said that everything would be set right under the guidance of senior leaders and party would emerge as a single largest party in the next elections. “I am confident that the minor differences will fade away and we will work together to ensure winning at least 150 seats  in the coming assembly elections with the blessing of women,” he said while requesting women to support BJP as they did in the past.

BJP national general secretary Ananth Kumar said BJP is the only party which is committed for 33 per cent reservation quota for women and even in appointing its office bearers reservation quota is being followed.

It was a rare sight to see that the entire Palace Ground was filled with enthusiastic women who had come from all districts under the leadership of their district Mahila Morcha office bearers. The Exhibition Hall was the main attraction for the curious women who went around in it to have a glimpse of the audio-visual  presentations on women development schemes being implemented by the Government.  Small write ups along with the display of the photographs  of the women achiever’s  including  first IPS woman officer Kiran Bedi, the first Indian woman to climb Mount Everest Bachhendri Pal, Biocon Chairman Kiran Majumdar Shah, Olympic medal winner PT Usha, world renowned singer MS Subbulakshmi, fiery queen of Jhansi Laxmibai, Kittur Rani Chennamma, holy mother Sharada Devi, Sister Nivedita, Kabbadi winner Mamata Pujari etc., brought a sense of pride among visitors.

State Mahila Morcha president Reena Prakash, Vice Chariman of the Karnataka  Council Vimala Gowda, Energy Minister Shoba Karandlaje, several other Ministers, MLA’s, MLC’s and office bearers were present on the dias.