Chandigarh. (Aditi) :On the occasion of International Women’s Day (IWD), 2021, the Department of Social Welfare, Women & Child Development, Chandigarh Administration had organized a series of events in collaboration with the line Departments across U.T., Chandigarh, in order to acknowledge the work undertaken by various units/departments and encourage them for ensuring women empowerment & gender equality. The events were carried out in accordance to the SOP/guidelines issued by the Government of India amid COVID-19.
Sh. V. P. Singh Badnore, Hon’ble Governor of Punjab & Administrator U.T., Chandigarh, launched Booklet & Pamphlets of Schemes and Programmes run by the Department of Social Welfare, for the Welfare of Women, Children, Senior Citizens and Persons with Disabilities in English & Hindi from Raj Bhawan, Chandigarh. The Chief Guest appreciated the efforts made by the Department towards encouraging women empowerment. The occasion was also graced by Sh. Manoj Parida, IAS, Adviser to the Administrator, Sh. Yashpal Garg, IAS, Secretary Social Welfare, Women & Child Development; Mrs. Navjot Kaur, PCS, Director Social Welfare, Women & Child Development and Sh. Satyapal Jain, Chairperson, Advisory Committee of Social Welfare Department.
“Medical Camp for Women” was organized in convergence with the Department of Health Service at Sector-17 C which was inaugurated by Sh. Mandip Singh Brar, IAS, Deputy Commissioner, Chandigarh Administration. At the time of registration, COVID tests were conducted to contain the spread of COVID-19 wherein approximately 50 females availed the facilities available at the camp which included general medical health check-up, blood tests, anaemia prevention counselling, demonstration of low cost recipes and HIV testing. A separate kid’s corner was also set up for the children accompanying their mothers.
In order to ensure participation of women residing in periphery areas, awareness drives (rallies) were organised by Anganwadi field functionaries at 18 locations to spread awareness about their rights wherein more than 1000 women were sensitized.
To promote "Sukanya Samridhi Yojana" three camps were organised in Anganwadi areas i.e. Indira Colony, Sector 24 and Burail in collaboration with the Department of Posts, Chandigarh Region. During the camps, people were sensitized on the benefits of Sukanya Samriddhi Accounts and 52 accounts of girl children were opened.
Women’s day was also celebrated with 47 female residents of Model Jail, Chandigarh in collaboration with District Legal Services Authority, Chandigarh wherein interaction-cum-awareness sessions were conducted to sensitize residents on various issues related to women. The female residents enthusiastically participated in Rangoli competition and cultural activities organized by the Jail authorities.
Another event was organised where the Guest of Honour, Mrs. Renuka Garg w/o Sh. Yashpal Garg, IAS Secretary Social Welfare graced the occasion alongwith Mrs. Navjot Kaur, PCS, Director Social Welfare, Women & Child Development and distributed 45 ‘Poshan Tokris’ to the residents of Nari Niketan and After Care Home wherein a Plantation Drive was also carried out in order commemorate the occasion.
A weeklong "Yoga Camp for Women Employees" was inaugurated by Mrs. Navjot Kaur, PCS, Director Social Welfare, Women & Child Development in convergence with Government College of Yoga, Education and Health, Sector 23, Chandigarh, to promote a healthy lifestyle among women employees.
The day was concluded by showcasing an inspirational movie “Gunjan Saxena: The Kargil girl” at Children’s Home Snehalaya for Girls, Sector 15, Chandigarh.