National Commission for Women (NCW) Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar has described Srinagar as a safe and progressive environment for women's advancement, announcing that the commission will develop a six-month action plan for women's development through its flagship 'Shakti Samvaad' platform in the city.
Rahatkar highlighted the region’s cultural richness and peaceful atmosphere, stating that Srinagar is an ideal destination for travel and a growing centre for expanding economic and social opportunities for women.
Addressing ANI, she said, “Srinagar is a very beautiful part of our country. We say that one India is the best Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat. The culture of Srinagar is very beautiful. We should experience and see all that. There is a lot of safety here. We can travel here without any tension. We are getting a lot of opportunities for women here. It is very important to introduce our country to everyone. That is why we are here at Srinagar. Srinagar is a place that always pushes women forward. We are very happy to be here. There is a lot of work to be done here. There is a women’s program. We have travelled a lot to Srinagar. What we have thought about Shakti Samvaad is what we will work on for the next six months.”
Rahatkar added that the commission’s senior leadership gathered in Srinagar to launch awareness campaigns on key issues, including the central government’s four new labour codes aimed at ensuring workplace respect, security and equality for women.
“We have thought about this. The chairperson, members and member secretary of the National Women’s Commission have come here. This time, we have decided to work on two or three new topics. We work very well on the POSH Act. Right now, we are raising awareness about the POSH Act through all the commissions. There are two or three new topics. The Indian government has brought four new labour codes. These four labour codes will give women respect, security and equality. We have had a very good discussion about this,” she said.
Expressing her connection to the region, Rahatkar praised Kashmir as a secure and beautiful part of India and said the visit seeks to strengthen ties with the local area and its prominent women.
“Kashmir looks very safe. It looks very good. The biggest thing is that it is such a beautiful state. It is our own state. We feel very close to Kashmir. We feel close to the land of Kashmir. We feel close to the women of Kashmir. We feel very close to the prominent women of Kashmir. When we go to a different region, we get to know the culture. Along with that, there is a connection. There is a love for Kashmir,” she added.
The National Commission for Women programme in Srinagar was also attended by Union Minister Jitendra Singh.
Speaking to reporters, he said, “The National Commission for Women has decided to conduct a program in Jammu and Kashmir, following a similar initiative in Delhi, with the aim of bringing the women’s commission directly to the doorsteps of women, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir.”