Imphal, Jul 18: The benefit of the schemes and programmes being taken up by the Government of India under its various Ministries for empowerment of women do not reach the targeted beneficiaries especially in the rural areas, noted Joint Director of Social Welfare S Sarat Sharma.

Speaking as guest of honour of the inaugural function of the one-day State level seminar held on the theme of 'Women for the women' at Imphal Hotel here today, Sharma observed that for empowering the women, the benefit of such schemes and programmes should reach the targeted population and the womenfolk themselves should work toward this end.

The seminar was organised by Pioneering Ladies' Association of Manipur'.

While pointing out that with the coining of a term called 'gender budgeting', the Government of India has been paying special attention for the welfare of women by including certain amount in the budget every year for taking up developmental programmes for women, Sharma expressed concerned that the same has not been implemented in Manipur unlike in other States of India.

He further pointed out a team work is required among the NGOs, social workers and Governmental agencies so as to enlighten the womenfolks on the various welfare programmes being taken up by the Government of India.

In her observation as chief guest of the function, noted Manipuri writer MK Binodini said though crimes are being committed on the Manipuri womenfolk even by their own kinsmen, the perpetrators can easily escape from being punished.

However, the victims live along with the scar and the trauma throughout their existence.

In her presidential address, president of Pioneering Ladies' Association of Manipur L Randhoni Devi said important to discuss whether the Manipuri women are really empowered or not.

Apart from their engagement in various professions and supplementing to the income of the families, Manipuri women are also seen in the forefront of various social movement.

However, it needs to be studied whether they are coming out own their own volition or under some compulsion, she noted.

There were two sessions of the seminar.

In the first session moderated by woman activist RK Mema Devi, Senior Grade Lecturer of Imphal College Koijam Sethajit and Dr Chungkham Silaramani respectively read out papers on the topics of 'Political empowerment of women in Manipur' and 'Economic empowerment of the rural women of Manipur'.

During the second session, Associate Professor of MU Dr L Kunjeshori read out paper on the topic of 'Women and social empowerment', Chinglen Meisnam on 'Economic empowerment of women' and Lecturer of Imphal College Dr Meinam Binota Devi on 'Economic and political empowerment of women in Manipur'.

Prof Ksh Bimola was the moderator of the 2nd session.

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