Patna: The Bihar government launched a series of initiatives aimed at improving women’s safety and empowerment, including the flagging off of pink buses and the introduction of a new digital platform, during an event marking International Women’s Day in Patna.
The programme, titled “Sashakt Mahila, Samriddh Bihar”, was organised by the Women and Child Development Corporation under the state’s social welfare department at Gyan Bhawan. Social welfare minister Madan Sahni flagged off 18 pink buses that will operate in Patna, Purnia, Bhagalpur, Gaya and Muzaffarpur, with the aim of making public transport safer and more accessible for women.
Information related to the 181 women’s helpline has been displayed prominently on the buses to raise awareness about support services available to women. The event was attended by minister for backward and extremely backward classes welfare Rama Nishad as the chief guest, while social welfare department secretary Bandana Preyashi presided over the programme.
During the event, officials also launched the Bihar Shakti Portal, a digital platform designed to highlight inspirational stories of women from across the state. The portal will also provide information on women’s rights, welfare schemes and government programmes intended to promote gender equality and support women’s development.
In addition, the government virtually inaugurated 11 new One Stop Centres in districts including Muzaffarpur, Gaya, East and West Champaran, Purnia, Katihar, Rohtas, Madhubani, Kaimur, Aurangabad and Jamui. With these additions, the total number of such centres in the state has increased to 39, offering integrated assistance to women facing violence or distress.
The programme also included free health check-ups for women and adolescent girls and the release of draft guidelines aimed at strengthening efforts to eliminate child marriage in the state.
Several women were honoured with the Bihar Aparajita Award for their achievements and contributions. Among those recognised were Pooja, Ritika, Komal, Roshni Praveen, Kanchan Kumari, Amrita Kumari and Beauty Kumari. Garima Lohia, who secured second rank in the Civil Services Examination 2022 and currently serves as the sub-divisional officer of Barh, was also felicitated.
Senior officials including social welfare department joint secretary Yogesh Sagar, administrative officer Manjusha Chandra, deputy secretary and nodal officer Margan Sinha, and UNICEF representative Banku Bihari were present at the event along with other dignitaries.
