MP govt announces Rs 2 lakh aid for widow remarriage

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has announced a slew of measures for women in the state, including a financial assistance of Rs two lakh for remarriage of widows.
Speaking at his monthly radio broadcast 'Dil Se' yesterday, Chouhan appealed to people to come forward to encourage remarriage of widows and root out social evils like dowry and child marriages.
"The government will provide financial assistance of Rs two lakh for the remarriage of widows," he said.
The CM said the Below Poverty Line (BPL) status would no longer be required for availing the widow pension in the state.

Chouhan also announced a relaxation in the physical fitness parameters for female candidates appearing for a police constable recruitment test.
"Sanitary napkins would be made available at 50 per cent rates in the predominantly tribal blocks of the state," the CM said.

Seeking to ensure the safety and security of girls, Chouhan said school buses in the state would be equipped with CCTV cameras to prevent untoward incidents like eve-teasing.
He said laws ensuring due share to women in ancestral properties would be strictly implemented.
Chouhan said various initiatives by his government to ensure participation of women in governance, panchayat and civic bodies have yielded encouraging results.

"More than 2.08 lakh panchayat office-bearers are women at present," the CM said.