International Women’s Day was celebrated in Udhampur district with fervor and enthusiasm. A series of programs were organised, including the "Badlav Rally" organized by the District Administration in collaboration with the Department of Social Welfare.
The rally, named "Beti Apki Dhan Lakshmi aur Vaibhavi," aimed to promote gender equality, women's rights and combat female feticide. Deputy Commissioner Saloni Rai inaugurated the rally from the DC Office Complex, accompanied by Additional District Development Commissioner Ghan Sham Singh, Additional Deputy Commissioner Joginder Singh Jasrotia, District Social Welfare Officer Kanika Gupta, and other officers.
The rally, comprising over 500 individuals, included students and staff of the schools and colleges, members of Women Self Help groups under Umeed, Sangini and Sahayikas of Mission Poshan, Staff of OSC, DHEW and Special cell for women traversed through various parts of the city, spreading the message of women empowerment, and culminated at the Mini Stadium Udhampur.
Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner also inaugurated the first-ever Pink stand for women drivers established under Beti Bachao Beti Padhao scheme near Town Hall being implemented by the Department of Social Welfare under Mission Shakti, furthering the cause of women's empowerment and inclusivity.
The DC emphasised that the objective of the rally is to educate the public especially women regarding new ventures and to impart training and necessary skills to women drivers for commercial vehicles and the pink auto stand dedicated to women commercial drivers.
While briefing the media persons, the DC congratulated all the participants and emphasised the importance of generating awareness among the masses. She stressed that such programs are instrumental in empowering women through education and promoting their equal participation in all sectors, while also combating gender-biased sex selective elimination of girl children.
She underscored the significance of educating girls and urged the public to prioritize their education.