New Delhi, 29 January: Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Thursday inaugurated the two-day capacity-building and training event ‘Shakti Samvad’ organised by the National Commission for Women (NCW) at India Mandapam. She addressed chairpersons, members, and officials of women’s commissions from various states across the country.
During her address, CM Rekha Gupta spoke extensively on women’s empowerment, safety, economic self-reliance, and the crucial role of women in leadership and decision-making processes. She praised the event’s focus on legal awareness, grievance redressal, policy consultation, and capacity building, calling such initiatives vital for instilling courage and confidence among millions of daughters of India.
The Chief Minister emphasised three key priorities: ensuring women’s safety and dignity, promoting their economic empowerment, and increasing their participation in leadership and decision-making. She highlighted significant steps taken by the Delhi government, including granting permission for women to work night shifts with safety measures in place, and establishing 500 ‘Palna Centres’ to care for children of working women, especially labourers, enabling them to work without worry.
To boost economic empowerment, the government has approved interest-free loans up to Rs 10 crore for women to start their own businesses. In the domain of safety, 10,000 advanced surveillance cameras and 100,000 smart sensor LED lights are being installed across the city. To ensure speedy justice, 53 new judicial posts have been sanctioned to facilitate the formation of fast-track special courts.
CM Gupta described ‘Shakti Samvad’ as more than just a theme; it is a platform where collective women’s power and dialogue pave the way for the future. Aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision, she said India has moved beyond women’s empowerment to an era of women-led governance and decision-making. She cited examples such as women’s leadership roles in the Republic Day parade, armed forces, and Parliament, along with the historic journey of a tribal woman becoming the President, as evidence of women’s growing decisive role in the country.
Referring to the social transformation from ‘Beti Bachao’ to ‘Beti Padhao’ and now ‘Beti Badhao,’ the Chief Minister stressed the importance of expanding opportunities to nurture daughters’ dreams and aspirations. She called the Women’s Commission a centre of strength and trust where victims first seek help and urged collective responsibility to ensure timely justice, support, and safety.
She appreciated the dedication and zeal of chairpersons from remote regions, especially the North-Eastern states, and paid tribute to the inspiring 34-year journey of the Women’s Commission. Sharing her experience, CM Gupta said that today women are not only advisors but also decision-makers and implementers—a true meaning of empowerment.
She urged all chairpersons and members of the Women’s Commission to continue their commitment to support half of the nation’s population, secure dignified lives for women, and strengthen their decisive role in nation-building.
Also present on the occasion were NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar, Additional Secretary B. Radhika Chakravarti of the Ministry of Women and Child Development, and other commission members.