Aurangabad Cantonment women seek implementation of women welfare policies

AURANGABAD: The women residents of

Aurangabad Cantonment

along with other NGO and activists group have written to the CEO of

Cantonment

board, Aurangabad for adoption of gender responsive budgeting and women component plan as per national and state policies.


Pune based Sadhna Institute for Sustainable Development which has been working towards upliftment of women in Aurangabad Cantonment since 2007, conducted a survey and interviewed 60 women in Aurangabad Cantonment. In the survey, it was found that cent per cent women did not get any government scheme benefits. Out of which 40 per cent of total women are either widow or deserted, no single programme exists for skill development of women. 30 per cent women work in an unorganised sector and the remaining 60 per cent women are either unemployed, or zero awareness or training from government reached out departments. Self Help Groups (SHG) could access schemes but none of the school going girls received any educational schemes like scholarship.

According to Savita Jadhav, director of Sadhna Institute, the gender responsive budgeting is envisaged in 9th and 10th five year plans, out of which 30 per cent of the budget is earmarked for women schemes. “The women and child departments of the centre are responsible in ensuring that it is carried out properly,” Jadhav said.

The memorandum given to the Cantonment CEO demands the adoption of gender responsive budgeting in all departments of the Aurangabad Cantonment Board and rule for provision of 30 per cent reserve funds for women as per the women’s component plan.

Jadhav said that the NGO plans to reach out to all cantonments in the state for implementation of

women welfare policies

. “We will hold awareness initiatives to sensitise women and press for their demands. Approach, the finance department along with State women and child development department for the implementation of the schemes,” she said.

However, CEO Vikrant More said that there is a specific budget allocated for health, education and civic amenities. There cannot be a special budget allocation for women welfare issues.


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