Jammu, Feb 07 (KNO): Stating that Prime Minister Narendra Modi led government is committed to women-led development and empowerment, BJP National General Secretary Tarun Chugh on Saturday said Article 370 is a history now and will never return.
Addressing the Mahila Samvad programme organised by the BJP Mahila Morcha at Karan Palace in Jammu, Chugh, who is also the J&K Prabhari, according to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said, “Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, women empowerment has become a central pillar of governance and development across the country and the J&K women are emerging as key partners in nation building.”
He said the government has transformed women empowerment from a slogan into a structured national mission through policies, welfare schemes, and socio-economic reforms.
Chugh said the Union Budget 2026–27 reflects a strong focus on women-centric schemes, with special emphasis on education, skill development, and entrepreneurship, particularly for women from rural and border areas.
Initiatives such as girls’ hostels in every district, scholarships in technical education, and support for women entrepreneurs are creating new opportunities for young women to become self-reliant and contribute actively to national development.
He said the abrogation of Article 370 was a historic step for women of Jammu and Kashmir, granting them constitutional rights that had been denied for decades. “The Article has become a history and will never return. Women now enjoy equal property rights and full legal protection under central laws related to domestic violence, dowry, and workplace safety,” he added.
Chugh said, “Welfare schemes such as Jan Dhan Yojana, Ayushman Bharat, and Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana have strengthened financial and healthcare security, ensuring dignity and social justice.”
He highlighted measures to increase women’s participation in governance, including the Narishakti Vandan Adhiniyam, which will enhance representation in Parliament and Legislative Assemblies.
Chugh added that programmes such as Mudra Yojana, Stand-Up India, and self-help group initiatives have enabled women to emerge as entrepreneurs and job creators, particularly in rural and agricultural sectors.
He praised the BJP Mahila Morcha for its role in connecting government welfare schemes with beneficiaries at the grassroots level.
Chugh said, “Empowered women lay the foundation of a strong nation. I am sure that women of Jammu and Kashmir will play a leading role in building a prosperous, peaceful, and self-reliant India under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership.”—(KNO)