It aims to provide comprehensive information on self-employment schemes and available loans for interested candidates.

Chandigarh: The Punjab government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, is dedicated to the safety and development of women in the state, launching several historic initiatives aimed at enhancing their welfare. The government is set to commence the construction of a modern working women's hostel in Mohali, addressing the long-standing demand for safe and affordable accommodation for working women seeking employment in Mohali and Chandigarh.

The hostel will be built on a 0.98-acre plot in Sector 79 of Mohali, with the Department of Social Security, Women, and Child Development successfully securing Rs 12.57 crore from the Nirbhaya Fund. In addition, the Punjab government is committed to establishing more working women’s hostels in major cities like Ludhiana, Jalandhar, and Amritsar, providing a safe and supportive environment for women to advance their careers. This project is a significant step towards empowering working women, ensuring they have the infrastructure needed to live and work with dignity.

Moreover, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann announced the creation of 3,000 new positions for Anganwadi workers, offering substantial employment opportunities for women. In his address during the Rakhi festival celebrations, he highlighted that this recruitment initiative would open new avenues for women's rights and welfare. He also assured that the government is considering the legitimate demands of Asha workers.

To further empower women, the Punjab government has appointed senior police commissioners in six districts and women deputy commissioners in eight districts. Necessary amendments are being made to the existing criteria for physical tests to facilitate the recruitment of women in firefighting roles, making Punjab the first state in the country to recruit women in this capacity.

In addition, three mega placement camps were organized in Hoshiarpur, Barnala, and Sri Muktsar Sahib districts, with participation from 41 employers who collectively selected 1,223 candidates for various job opportunities. Notably, companies like Microsoft and IBM chose over 100 candidates for digital skill development programs. Various government departments and banks also provided information on self-employment opportunities, leading to 50 candidates being selected for self-employment assistance.

This employment camp, organized by the Social Security, Women, and Child Development Department in collaboration with the Employment Generation, Skill Development, and Training Department, caters to female candidates at various educational levels, from 10th-grade pass students to postgraduates. It aims to provide comprehensive information on self-employment schemes and available loans for interested candidates.

State-of-the-Art Command Control Center Established; Women’s Helpline Introduced

In a significant move to enhance public safety, the Punjab government has announced the establishment of a state-of-the-art command and control center to ensure the safety of women, children, and the general public during their use of public transportation. The government has partnered with the IT company C-DAC to implement this project.

As part of this initiative, panic buttons and GPS systems will be installed in all buses and taxis across Punjab. This technology will facilitate immediate assistance in emergencies. Passengers, especially women, can signal for help by pressing the panic button, which will alert the command control center and the nearest police station, enabling quick action.

Additionally, the Department of Social Security, Women, and Child Development has launched the Women’s Helpline No. 181, aimed at providing immediate assistance to women in need. This helpline has proven invaluable, offering 24-hour support to women experiencing violence or harassment. Approximately 150 calls are made daily, with the helpline assisting around 4,000 to 5,000 women each month.