Delhi/Hyderabad, 09 October (H.S.): Dr Ponguleti Sudhakar Reddy, former BJP National Co-Incharge for Tamil Nadu and Karnataka and former Member of the Telangana Legislative Council, on Friday called for greater participation by businesses and voluntary organisations in creating employment opportunities for single mothers and widows. He was speaking at the 25 Jobs for 25 Women - Empowering Single Mothers and Widows programme held at the Press Club, Somajiguda, Hyderabad, where appointment letters were handed over to women beneficiaries.

Organised by Bharat Ke Anmol and Godh Foundation in association with Nari Shakti Forum, the initiative provided employment opportunities to 25 single mothers and widows. The programme was held to mark Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 25-year public governance journey, beginning with his tenure as Chief Minister of Gujarat in 2001 and continuing with his tenure as Prime Minister since 2014.

Addressing the gathering as Guest of Honour, Sudhakar Reddy said employment could provide women facing difficult circumstances with financial independence, security and greater confidence in supporting their families. He appreciated the organisers, participating employers, sponsors and volunteers for supporting the initiative.

An appointment letter given to a single mother or widow is more than an offer of employment. It represents dignity, confidence, security and hope for her children. By creating livelihood opportunities for women, we are helping rebuild families and strengthen society, he said.

Sudhakar Reddy said the government's approach to women's development had increasingly focused on enabling women to participate actively in economic and social progress. He referred to initiatives such as the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana, Stand-Up India and the Lakhpati Didi initiative, which seek to expand access to financial services, credit and livelihood opportunities.

He also highlighted programmes relating to sanitation, clean cooking fuel, housing, healthcare, education and women's safety. These included the Swachh Bharat Mission, Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, Ayushman Bharat, Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao and Mission Shakti.

Referring to women's representation in legislative bodies, he cited the Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, which provides for 33 per cent reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies, subject to the applicable constitutional implementation requirements.

Sudhakar Reddy urged industries, businesses, entrepreneurs and voluntary organisations to take up similar employment-oriented programmes for widows, single mothers and women from economically vulnerable backgrounds. He stressed that empowerment should not end with the distribution of appointment letters but should include meaningful job placements, appropriate training, workplace dignity and opportunities for long-term career growth.

Empowering a woman is not merely empowering an individual; it is strengthening an entire family and building a stronger nation, he said, adding that women who become financially independent help strengthen their families and contribute to the country's development.

Those present included Dr Mohammad Nizamuddin of Bharat Ke Anmol, Ashok Kumar Thatipalli of Vision Infotech, Mazit of Pista House, Balakrishna of Rap Motors, Vanjari Vinod Kumar, BJP State Leader, journalist Indrani Sarkar and other invitees.

The organisers said the initiative was intended to create livelihood opportunities for women managing their families independently and encouraged more employers and social organisations to support similar efforts.

---------------

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar