District Development Commissioner (DDC) Anantnag, Dr. Mohid Udin Bhat today reiterated that District Administration is committed to the empowerment and self reliance of women. He said it is the responsibility of administration, institutions and public offices to provide a supportive ecosystem to the women.
He made these remarks while speaking as Chief Guest on occasion of the International Women's Day-2026 (IWD) celebratory function, which was organised by District Administration in collaboration with Social Welfare, ICDS and other departments at Town Hall, Anantnag.
The DDC noted that women are excelling in all walks of life and they have all the abilities to succeed in politics, economics, education, sports, civil sevices and other fields. He said women have proved their mettle time and again with their consistent performance in Civil Services, Medicine, Engineering and other academic and professional career avenues.
Calling the IWD an important occasion to recognise the role of women and celebrate their achievements, the DDC observed that it is the responsibility of men to provide favourable environment to them at home, work places and outside. He highlighted the role of common citizens in the empowerment of women besides administration, concerned departments and other agencies.
The change should begin at home and the men should be socialised in a manner that they respect the dignity and roles of women, he further remarked. Terming women as the agents of progress and development, Dr. Bilal emphasized their role in realising the dream of Viksit Bharat @2047 adding that overall empowerment of half the population is crucial to achieve this task.
He stated that the development of a nation is incomplete without the empowerment of women and emphasized that society must encourage and support women to participate actively in all spheres of life. The DDC expressed satisfaction on the success achieved in women empowerment so far and noted it is heart warming that the stereotypes have been broken.
He said the women have started believing in themselves and are coming forward with confidence, adding they should have the primary right to decide on their educational, financial and other areas of importance. Expressing concern over the district's child sex ratio (0–6 years) of 847, the DDC emphasized the urgent need for continued focus on gender equality and other measures to improve the same.
He lauded the success of the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao campaign and the Ladli Beti scheme in driving positive change in the district. "If a girl is given autonomy and freedom in any sector to think and to act; that idea, will never fail," the DDC stated.
He highlighted the success of several government schemes specifically designed for women like Spurring Entrepreneurship, PMEGP, JK Mudra Scheme, SHGs/NRLM and others. On the occasion, the DDC felicitated several women achievers with certificates and mementos in recognition of their vital contributions.
Additionally, sewing machines were distributed among eligible beneficiaries as part of the Social Welfare Department’s efforts to promote livelihood opportunities and self-reliance among women. Earlier, the DDC inspected various stalls set up by the SHGs and women entrepreneurs of the district.
ADC, GM DIC, CMO, CEO, CAO, AD FCS&CA, DSWO, CDPOs, TSWOs, Heads of Educational Institutions besides other officers, officials from allied wings of Social Welfare, ICDS and Health Department, students and people from media fraternity attended the event.