the goan I network
MAPUSA
The BJP’s much-touted function to commemorate International Women’s Day turned out to be an election campaign meeting, with senior BJP leaders exhorting party’s Mahila Shakti to go out and spread the word about the government’s schemes and the party’s achievements.
The party did felicitate five women, but it took just five minutes while the entire function of one-and-half hour was dedicated to listing achievements of the party and the role of woman karyakatas in the election.
BJP’s Mahila Shakti was on full display as the Mapusa comunidade hall was packed with the party’s woman members some even occupying seats outside the hall.
Union Minister of State for AYUSH and North Goa Member of Parliament, Shripad Naik set the ball rolling crediting the women for being the backbone of BJP. “Most of the work of the BJP is done by women. I cannot forget your contribution, as I have been elected for four consecutive terms since 1999,” Naik said.
Sounding a little cautious, he reminded the gathering that in the last assembly election, the party received a little setback. “We failed to reach out to people last time. But this time, we need to work with renewed vigour for the party,” he appealed.
Stating that the party had invested a lot for the women, Mapusa MLA and Urban Development Minister Francisco D’Souza reminded that no other party has done so much for women as the BJP. “No party has given so much attention and financial aid to the women as the BJP. Election to parliament is just a year away but you need to start work for the party from now onwards,” he said.
Pointing to the Union Minister of State for AYUSH, he said Shripad bhau has done a lot of work in North Goa and it was necessary his works reach out to the people.
Stating that mahilas were the strength of the party, Health Minister Vishwajit Rane said the government under Manohar Parrikar had started many schemes for women in the past.
“Some of the schemes like Griha Adhar was stopped but the scheme will be modified and introduced very soon,” Rane disclosed.
Listing a host of initiatives which will be launched by the government, Rane said the government would soon start 181 helpline number for women in distress. He said government would construct 100 to 150 new anganwadis across the State for which a provision of Rs 10-15 crore was already made. He further said that new syllabus will be included in the anganwadis. “Very soon, primary health centres will have the facility to conduct 28 blood tests,” Rane said.
“We will provide free medicines to the people visiting GMC,” he added.
Rajya Sabha member and BJP State President Vinay Tendulkar and Maharashtra Mahila Morcha chief Manisha Chowdhary also addressed the women.
BJP General Secretary Sadanand Tanavade, State BJP Mahila Morcha President Sulochana Sawant, Vice President Kunda Chodonkar, North Goa ZP chief Ankita Mayenkar and a host of sarpanchas and panch members were also present.
