JAMMU DECEMBER 18 (KNS):  National Conference Additional General Secretary and Former Minister Mr Ajay Kumar Sadhotra today strongly pitched for larger role to women in shaping destiny of the society, saying their presence in the democratic institutions could be catalyst of change in this regard. “The women continue to suffer from discrimination and conditions are required to be created for their rapid growth as equal partners in the decision making”, Mr Sadhotra said while addressing public meeting at Bantalab in the Jammu North Assembly Constituency.

Rousing welcome was given by the participants of the public meeting on arrival of Former Minister at venue of the public meeting. He said, the women those marginalized shall have to come forward for their empowerment and economic emancipation. On its part, the National Conference has all along provided a platform to them to grow politically, economically and socially, he said while referring to the reservation of 33 percent seats in the civic bodies and now vehemently supported women reservation bill in the Parliament. As also the various other grass root level democratic institutions. He recalled the political farsightedness and sagacity of the party leadership in incorporating political empowerment and economic emancipation of women in Naya Kashmir Charter way back in 1931.

 Mr Sadhotra said the National Conference has pioneered several landmark initiatives like 50 percent seats in the Medical Colleges across Jammu and Kashmir including Ladakh to open up avenues for girls in medical profession. The Former Minister, however, lamented over undoing the progressive measures taken during the National Conference led governments and criticized the BJP for robbing the people of their special identity by repealing Article 370 and bifurcating the vast Princely State. It is a grievous assault on culture, identity and glorious ethos of the three distinct Regions of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh, he added. Mr Sadhotra said the BJP has brought the self respecting people of Jammu and Kashmir to such a passé that they are forced to be apprehensive about their lands and jobs for the bonafide state subjects. The sword of uncertainty is looming large over the subjects in this part of the country, he added.

Mr Sadhotra said the arrogance of the BJP has grown to such an extent that its leaders are in denial mode for even the promises they made to the people of Jammu and Kashmir in the highest temple of democracy Parliament about grant of statehood and holding of elections. He cautioned the BJP not to test the patience of the peace loving people and sought restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir with constitutional guarantee for rights to lands and jobs to permanent residents. The Additional General Secretary exhorted the rank and file to further reinvigorate the National Conference at the grass-root level, saying the blend of experience of the senior colleagues and enthusiasm of the young would lead Jammu and Kashmir to surmount all its challenges on all fronts. He also called up for a big role by the cadre in the near future, as the people have greater expectations from the National Conference, which has a track record of public service and balanced development of all the regions besides welfare of all, irrespective of caste, creed, region or religion. History stands testimony to the sacrifices of the towering leaders in seeking dignified life for the people, he maintained.

 Prominent among those addressed the public meeting are S/Sh Raghubir Singh Manhas District President, Rakesh Sharma Youth National Conference President, Ranjit Singh Manhas Vice President, Ch Abdul Razak, Ch Noor Ali, Satya Jamwal Women leader, Swaran Lata Manhas Women leader, Sushma Manhas Women leader, Darshana Bhagat Women leader, Anju Jamwal Women leader, Sureshta Manhas Women leader, Tilak Raj Bhagat District Secretary and Subash Bhagat Block President.(KNS)