Punjab Govt to Create 3,000 New Anganwadi Posts for Women Empowerment

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann announced plans to create 3,000 new Anganwadi worker posts to empower women through employment. The state is considering demands of ASHA workers and has female officers in key roles. The government also launched the 'Sadak Surakhya Force' to improve road safety.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Saturday announced the creation of 3,000 new Anganwadi worker posts as part of the state government's women empowerment initiatives.

Speaking at a state-level Raksha Bandhan function, Mann confirmed that recruitment for these roles would begin soon, reflecting the government's commitment to opening new employment avenues for women.

Mann highlighted the state's efforts to meet the demands of ASHA workers and noted that six districts are currently led by female Senior Superintendents of Police, while eight have women Deputy Commissioners. The government plans changes to recruitment rules in the firefighting department to allow the hiring of female firefighters, a first in India.

Mann emphasized that previous administrations neglected such needs. He also touted the newly launched 'Sadak Surakhya Force,' which has saved 1,300 lives and returned valuables worth Rs 90 lakh since February. The force, including 1,597 personnel and equipped with 144 vehicles, patrols 4,200 km of highways to enhance road safety.

Under Mann's administration, over 44,700 youths have received appointment letters, with the recruitment process being transparent and merit-based. This has increased faith among the youth in the state government, reducing their inclination to move abroad.

Mann extended warm Raksha Bandhan greetings to all Punjabis and called for the celebration of love, care, and protection between siblings.

(With inputs from agencies.)