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Mrs. Sampatia Uike
When Dr. Mohan Yadav took oath as the 19th Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh two years ago, it was felt that his leadership would not be limited only to administrative stability, but he would try to give a *moral, social and human direction* to the governance. Within a few days of assuming the reins of power, clear indications started emerging that he would soon ensure his special place in the list of trusted Chief Ministers of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The reason for this was not just political harmony, but the balance of *policy, intention and implementation*. I myself come from an ordinary labor background. The experience of struggle, deprivation and labor in life has been a part of my personality. In such a situation, the Chief Minister making me a part of the cabinet was not just a political decision, but it was a proof of that *inclusive thinking*, in which importance is given not to background, but to commitment and efficiency. In the cabinet, he maintained equanimity and equality with all his colleagues and in practice he implemented that proverb –
“The head should be the same, food and drinks should all be the same.”
This is not just a saying, but has become the nature of his rule.
Today, Dr. Mohan Yadav has been recognized not just as a Chief Minister, but as *”everyone’s brother”*. During a mass program organized in my Mandla district, I had spontaneously said – “Today our brothers have become brothers of all the sisters.” Today when I look back, I feel proud that that slogan became the sentiment of lakhs of sisters of the state. This identity was not created by any publicity campaign, but by his *behavior, communication and sensitivity*. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav had made it clear at the beginning of his tenure that women empowerment is not just a planning priority for his government, but a *moral commitment*. This is why the schemes started by the previous government were not only given continuity, but were also given a more effective, transparent and comprehensive form. Along with this, on the special request of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, several new schemes were launched, aimed at empowering women at both social and economic levels. This vision is clearly visible in the blog written by the Chief Minister on the occasion of International Women’s Day. Underlining the central role of women power in Indian culture, he assured that the government is fully committed to the respect, safety and dignity of women. His statement is very important that when women are economically, mentally and intellectually empowered, only then the family, society and nation will become strong. Ladli Brahmin Yojana has today become the identity of Madhya Pradesh government. Regular transfer of an amount of Rs 1500 per month to the accounts of approximately 1.26 crore women is not only financial assistance but also a *bridge of trust between the state and the citizen*. The announcement of increasing this amount to Rs 3000 per month in a phased manner has made it clear that the government is not looking at this scheme as a short-term but long-term social investment. The biggest achievement of this scheme is that women are getting involved in digital transactions and their participation in financial decisions has increased. Recently, while releasing the 31st installment of the scheme, the Chief Minister’s statement that “the blessings of our sisters are our greatest strength” shows the emotional depth of his leadership. Instead of limiting women empowerment to just direct assistance, the government has paid special attention to moving women towards *entrepreneurship and self-reliance*. Through Lakhpati Didi Yojana, a target of income of Rs 1 lakh per year has been set for women associated with self-help groups. Chief Minister Udyam Shakti Yojana is encouraging women to start their own business by providing loans at low interest rates. Today, the fact that 47 percent of the startups in the state are being run by women is extremely encouraging. Giving an incentive amount of Rs 5000 to women working in the readymade garment industry and planting fruitful saplings under the “Ek Bagiya Maa Ke Naam” scheme – all these initiatives are proof that the government wants to make women not just beneficiaries but *economic partners*. Along with economic empowerment, security and opportunities are equally important for women. Under this thinking, reservation for women in state government jobs has been increased from 33 percent to 35 percent. One percent relaxation in property registration fees and extension of safe housing facilities in the form of Sakhi Niwas for working women—all these decisions show the seriousness of the government towards women’s interests.
The Chief Minister getting his son married in a public mass wedding ceremony is a rare example in today’s times. When marriages are becoming a medium of social display, this step is a message of hope for those families who are worried about the future of their children with limited resources. This example proves that there is no difference between the words and actions of the Chief Minister. The work done in the direction of women empowerment in Madhya Pradesh in the last two years has become an inspiration for other states. Yet Chief Minister Mohan Yadav says that he does not want praise, he only wants the blessings of his sisters. This blessing inspires them to discharge their duties with devotion, honesty and sensitivity. As a minister, a woman and a public representative, I am proud to be a participant in this transformational journey. Under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the leadership of Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, Madhya Pradesh is today emerging as a strong example in the direction of good governance, compassion and inclusive development.
(The author is a cabinet minister in the Public Health Engineering Department, Government of Madhya Pradesh)
