These initiatives are designed to enhance the comfort and dignity of girl students within educational settings, under the new project named ‘Menstrual Dignity’. The Governor emphasised the importance of creating an inclusive educational environment for all, ensuring that girls do not face obstacles during their studies due to health-related issues.

Alongside the menstrual leave, the government also plans to arrange weekend catch-up classes, aiming to help students stay on track with their curriculum despite their time away from school. This approach aligns with the government’s commitment to female education and welfare.

Implementation of Child Care Rules Proposed

The government intends to enforce new Child Care Rules as stipulated under the Maternity Benefit Act of 1961. This legislation will mandate that all workplaces, including public offices and industrial establishments with more than 50 employees, establish high-quality daycare centres and creches. The aim is to ensure that working women have safe childcare options while they pursue their careers.

Furthermore, the establishment of these facilities is intended to enhance workforce participation among women. Improved child care support is expected to make it easier for women to balance professional responsibilities with family obligations, thereby contributing to their economic independence.

The Governor’s address pointed out that these initiatives are necessary to create an equitable working environment for women, particularly in sectors where comprehensive support has been lacking. The ongoing emphasis on women’s welfare continues to shape the state’s developmental policies.

Goals for a Woman-Friendly Kerala

The state government also announced its goal to make Kerala the most woman-friendly state in India. This vision includes implementing equal pay for women across all sectors. Governor Arlekar mentioned that public restroom facilities would be established in major towns to further support women’s needs in public spaces.

In line with these efforts, the state plans to extend special benefits to women engaged in the unorganised sector. The proposal includes a provision for six months of maternity leave, recognising the additional challenges faced by women in precarious employment situations.

Moreover, there are plans to supply essential items such as sanitary napkins and footwear to women, improving accessibility to vital products. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance women’s health and well-being, ensuring that necessary items are readily available across the state.

Under the Destitute and Orphan-Free Kerala Initiative, the government aims to create a network of trained foster families to support orphans and destitute children. This initiative, based on the Juvenile Justice Act, aspires to make Kerala the first “orphan-free” state in India, showcasing the government’s commitment to child welfare.

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Among the initiatives, the government will implement upgrades to sanitation facilities and introduce menstrual health support systems to promote awareness and access. Vaccination data mapping will also be conducted to track participation and ensure compliance with health guidelines.

The initiative will include the installation of clean and well-maintained toilets in all government schools, where regular hygiene and menstrual health awareness programmes will be implemented for both male and female students.

Facilities and Support Systems in Schools

As part of the measures, the government plans to establish medical rooms and “Menstruation Corners” within each school. These designated areas will provide essential supplies such as sanitary napkins and undergarments. Efforts are underway to install vending machines for sanitary napkins in school washrooms, facilitating easier access for students during school hours.

The government’s health-related interventions will also focus on gathering HPV vaccination data from individual schools. This will allow for a targeted approach to increasing healthcare participation and ensuring that students from government schools are actively involved in the “Hauslon Ki Udaan” (Flight of Aspirations) programme, aimed at empowering students academically and socially.

To further support grievance redressal, a toll-free number is set to be launched shortly. This will allow students and parents to report issues directly to the government, facilitating a more responsive approach to addressing concerns. The number will be prominently displayed at school entrances and on various notice boards for easy access.

Infrastructure Enhancements and Environmental Initiatives

In addition to health and hygiene improvements, the Delhi government plans to enhance basic infrastructure facilities in schools. This includes the installation of reverse osmosis (RO) water coolers to ensure students have access to clean drinking water. The goal is to create an environment that prioritises the well-being of all students.

Additionally, a large-scale tree plantation drive will commence from June 5 and continue until August. This initiative aims to promote environmental awareness and contribute to creating greener school surroundings. The government also plans to whitewash school buildings, enhancing the overall appearance and cleanliness of educational institutions.

The CMO emphasised that these initiatives are designed to foster a healthier, safer, and more supportive learning environment within Delhi’s schools. By taking a comprehensive approach, the government aims to cater to the diverse needs of the student population, ensuring better health and educational outcomes for all.

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अगर सरकारें ठान लें तो बड़े से बड़े मुश्किल हालात बदल सकते हैं। जब कश्मीर जैसे संवेदनशील मुद्दों पर सख्त फैसले लिए जा सकते हैं, जब पश्चिम बंगाल जैसे तनावपूर्ण चुनाव भी कम हिंसा के साथ कराए जा सकते हैं सिर्फ इसलिए क्योंकि सरकार और प्रशासन ने उसे गंभीरता से लिया, तो फिर देश की बेटियों को दहेज की यातना और मौत से बचाने के लिए वैसी ही सख्ती और वैसी ही ईमानदार इच्छाशक्ति क्यों नहीं दिखाई जाती? आखिर इस देश की बेटियां क्या किसी राजनीति, चुनाव या सत्ता से कम महत्वपूर्ण हैं? हर दिन बेटियां रो रही हैं, टूट रही हैं, मारी जा रही हैं। कई मां-बाप हर रात डर में जीते हैं कि उनकी बेटी अगली सुबह जिंदा होगी भी या नहीं। अगर सरकार सच में चाहे, तो दहेज के खिलाफ ऐसा डर पैदा किया जा सकता है कि कोई भी परिवार बहू को पैसों के लिए प्रताड़ित करने से पहले सौ बार सोचे। लेकिन सबसे बड़ा सवाल आज भी वही है — आखिर देश अपनी बेटियों को बचाने के लिए उतना गंभीर कब होगा, जितना वह दूसरे बड़े मुद्दों के लिए दिखाई देता है?

एक बेटी की शादी का दिन किसी भी परिवार के लिए सबसे खुशी का दिन माना जाता है। माता-पिता सालों तक उस दिन के सपने देखते हैं। पिता अपनी पूरी जिंदगी की कमाई जोड़ते हैं, मां अपनी छोटी-छोटी खुशियों का त्याग करती है ताकि बेटी की विदाई अच्छे से हो सके। लेकिन आज के भारत में हजारों परिवारों के लिए यही शादी धीरे-धीरे एक डरावने सपने में बदल जाती है।

एक ऐसा सपना, जहां शादी के बाद बेटी को “कम दहेज” लाने के लिए ताने दिए जाते हैं। जहां प्यार की जगह लालच ले लेता है। जहां शादी रिश्ते से ज्यादा पैसों का सौदा बन जाती है। और जहां कई महिलाओं को मानसिक रूप से प्रताड़ित किया जाता है, पीटा जाता है, अपमानित किया जाता है और आखिर में मार दिया जाता है — सिर्फ इसलिए क्योंकि किसी को और पैसे, गाड़ी, गहने या संपत्ति चाहिए होती है।

हाल ही में नोएडा और भोपाल से सामने आए दहेज हत्या के मामलों ने पूरे देश को झकझोर दिया है। सबसे दर्दनाक मामलों में से एक 33 वर्षीय त्विशा शर्मा सामने आया जिनकी शादी के कुछ ही महीनों बाद भोपाल स्थित ससुराल में मौत हो गई। एक लड़की जो सपने लेकर अपने नए घर गई थी, वह कुछ महीनों बाद दहेज मौत का एक और आंकड़ा बन गई। परिवार का आरोप है कि उसे लगातार दहेज के लिए मानसिक रूप से परेशान किया जा रहा था।

नोएडा क्षेत्र से भी एक और भयावह मामला सामने आया, जहां एक विवाहित महिला को दहेज के लिए कथित तौर पर प्रताड़ित कर मार दिया गया। इन खबरों के पीछे सिर्फ एक घटना नहीं होती, बल्कि एक बर्बाद परिवार होता है। ऐसे मां-बाप होते हैं जिन्होंने कभी अपनी बेटी की शादी में खुशियां मनाई थीं, लेकिन बाद में उसी बेटी की लाश के सामने खड़े होकर खुद से सवाल पूछते रह जाते हैं कि आखिर उनकी गलती क्या थी।

कोई भी पिता अपनी बेटी की शादी की तस्वीरें देखते हुए उसकी अंतिम यात्रा की तैयारी नहीं करना चाहता। कोई मां अपनी बेटी की रोती हुई आवाज सुनना नहीं चाहती, जो फोन पर कह रही हो कि उसे ससुराल में प्रताड़ित किया जा रहा है। लेकिन भारत में यह दर्द अब आम होता जा रहा है।

सोशल मीडिया और सार्वजनिक चर्चाओं में इन घटनाओं ने बेटियों वाले परिवारों के अंदर डर पैदा कर दिया है। कई माता-पिता अब खुलकर पूछ रहे हैं कि क्या आज के भारत में शादी अब रिश्ते से ज्यादा पैसों और सामाजिक दिखावे का सौदा बन चुकी है।

दहेज विरोधी कानून बने छह दशक से ज्यादा समय हो चुका है, लेकिन हालात आज भी बेहद डरावने हैं। हर साल हजारों महिलाएं दहेज के कारण प्रताड़ना, हिंसा और मौत का शिकार होती हैं। जो कभी “सामाजिक बुराई” कहा जाता था, वह अब महिलाओं के खिलाफ सबसे सामान्य हिंसा में बदल चुका है।

राष्ट्रीय अपराध रिकॉर्ड ब्यूरो (NCRB) के आंकड़े इस संकट की गंभीरता दिखाते हैं। NCRB की “क्राइम इन इंडिया 2024” रिपोर्ट के अनुसार, दिल्ली लगातार पांचवें साल देश के महानगरों में दहेज मौत के मामलों में सबसे ऊपर रही। साल 2024 में दिल्ली में 109 दहेज हत्या के मामले दर्ज हुए, जिनमें 111 महिलाओं की जान गई। वहीं, बेंगलुरु दहेज प्रताड़ना का सबसे बड़ा केंद्र बनकर उभरा, जहां महानगरों में दर्ज 1,008 मामलों में से 878 मामले अकेले बेंगलुरु से थे।

देशभर के आंकड़े और भी ज्यादा डराने वाले हैं। NCRB के “क्राइम इन इंडिया 2023” के अनुसार, पूरे भारत में दहेज से जुड़े 15,489 मामले दर्ज हुए, जबकि 6,156 महिलाओं की मौत दहेज हिंसा के कारण हुई। यानी हर दिन करीब 17 से 18 महिलाएं दहेज की वजह से मारी गईं। आसान शब्दों में कहें तो भारत में लगभग हर 84 मिनट में एक महिला दहेज के कारण अपनी जान गंवा रही है।

उत्तर प्रदेश में सबसे ज्यादा 7,151 मामले दर्ज हुए, जबकि बिहार में 3,665 मामले सामने आए। दहेज मौत के मामलों में उत्तर प्रदेश में 2,122 महिलाओं की मौत हुई, जबकि बिहार में 1,143 महिलाओं ने जान गंवाई। वहीं 83 हजार से ज्यादा दहेज मामले अब भी अदालतों में लंबित पड़े हैं, जो दिखाता है कि पीड़ित परिवारों को इंसाफ पाने के लिए कितनी लंबी लड़ाई लड़नी पड़ती है।

सबसे दर्दनाक सच यह है कि ये सिर्फ दर्ज हुए मामले हैं। विशेषज्ञ मानते हैं कि असली संख्या इससे कहीं ज्यादा हो सकती है क्योंकि हजारों महिलाएं आज भी चुपचाप अत्याचार सह रही हैं। कई परिवार सामाजिक बदनामी, आर्थिक मजबूरी या समाज के डर से शिकायत तक दर्ज नहीं कराते।

आज बेटियों के माता-पिता के लिए दहेज सिर्फ आर्थिक बोझ नहीं रहा, बल्कि एक स्थायी डर बन चुका है। कई पिता बेटी की शादी के लिए जमीन बेच देते हैं, कर्ज लेते हैं, मां अपने गहने तक दे देती है। लेकिन सब कुछ देने के बाद भी कई माता-पिता को देर रात अपनी बेटी के रोते हुए फोन आते हैं, जहां वह बताती है कि उसे और पैसे लाने के लिए ताने दिए जा रहे हैं, पीटा जा रहा है या मानसिक रूप से तोड़ा जा रहा है। और कई मामलों में कुछ समय बाद वह आवाज हमेशा के लिए खामोश हो जाती है।

इन अपराधों के लगातार बढ़ने का एक बड़ा कारण यह भी है कि सजा का डर कमजोर पड़ चुका है। कई आरोपी जानते हैं कि जांच और अदालत की प्रक्रिया सालों तक चलेगी, गवाहों पर दबाव बनाया जाएगा और कई बार सबूत भी गायब हो जाएंगे। ऐसे में पीड़ित परिवार के लिए न्याय की लड़ाई खुद एक सजा बन जाती है।

अगर भारत सच में इस समस्या को खत्म करना चाहता है, तो सिर्फ भाषण और जागरूकता अभियान काफी नहीं होंगे। दहेज अपराधों के खिलाफ “जीरो टॉलरेंस” नीति अपनानी होगी। दहेज हत्या के मामलों की फास्ट ट्रैक जांच और सुनवाई होनी चाहिए।

जो परिवार दहेज प्रताड़ना या हत्या के दोषी पाए जाएं, उन्हें सिर्फ जेल ही नहीं बल्कि आर्थिक सजा भी मिलनी चाहिए। उनकी संपत्ति जब्त हो, सरकारी नौकरियां खत्म हों और सरकारी योजनाओं का लाभ भी बंद किया जाए। शादी में दिए जाने वाले बड़े लेन-देन, महंगे गिफ्ट, गाड़ी और संपत्ति की डिजिटल निगरानी भी जरूरी हो सकती है ताकि दहेज को “गिफ्ट” का नाम देकर छिपाया न जा सके।

लेकिन सिर्फ कानून काफी नहीं होंगे, क्योंकि समाज खुद इस बुराई को सामान्य मान चुका है। आज भी कई परिवार लड़के की नौकरी, सैलरी, विदेश में रहने या सरकारी पद के आधार पर उसका “रेट” तय करते हैं। डॉक्टर, इंजीनियर, अफसर और NRI लड़कों को शादी के बाजार में किसी वस्तु की तरह देखा जाता है। कई पढ़े-लिखे परिवार जो बाहर महिलाओं के अधिकारों की बात करते हैं, वही अंदर बंद कमरों में दहेज की डील करते हैं।

यह परंपरा नहीं है। यह समाज की स्वीकार की हुई लालच है।

भारत खुद को तब तक प्रगतिशील समाज नहीं कह सकता जब तक बेटियां शादी के बाद पैसों के लिए मारी जाती रहेंगी। हर दहेज मौत सिर्फ एक लड़की की जान नहीं लेती, बल्कि एक मां का विश्वास, एक पिता की उम्मीद और पूरे परिवार की खुशियां खत्म कर देती है। पीछे रह जाते हैं खाली कमरे, अधूरे सपने, बंद हो चुके फोन कॉल और ऐसा दर्द जो जिंदगीभर खत्म नहीं होता।

और शायद सबसे कड़वा सच यही है कि जब टीवी स्क्रीन से एक खबर गायब होती है, उसी समय कहीं न कहीं भारत में एक और बेटी उसी डर, दबाव, हिंसा और खामोशी वाले चक्र में प्रवेश कर रही होती है।

जब तक समाज शादी को व्यापार और बेटियों को बोझ समझना बंद नहीं करेगा, तब तक भारत अपनी बेटियों को ऐसे ही खोता रहेगा — एक शादी के बाद दूसरी शादी में।

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A System That Exists—But Doesn’t Reassure

Every 16 minutes, a woman in India reports a rape, according to National Crime Records Bureau trends. Every few minutes, a case of cruelty by a husband or relative is registered. These are only the reported numbers. Behind them lies a quieter statistic silence.

Studies and surveys repeatedly show that a large share of women do not report harassment or assault at all—either because they fear retaliation, social stigma, or simply don’t believe anything will change. The result is a country where legal protections expand, but confidence in them does not.

A 2025 safety assessment found that roughly 4 in 10 women still feel unsafe in their own cities, with fear intensifying sharply at night. In some urban safety audits, over 80% of women reported feeling unsafe in public spaces after dark. This is not a failure of legislation. It is a failure of lived experience.

Streets, Trains, Offices: Fear Has No Single Address

The threat is not confined to one place—it follows women across their day. On the streets, harassment is so routine it is often dismissed as background noise: staring, comments, being followed. Surveys suggest younger women report nearly double the rate of such harassment compared to older groups, normalizing fear early.

Public transport compresses that fear into tight, unavoidable spaces. In major cities, studies have identified buses and trains as some of the most common sites of harassment. For millions of women, the commute is not just exhausting—it is risky.

Many adapt quietly: changing routes, avoiding late shifts, carrying improvised weapons, or abandoning opportunities altogether. Research indicates that rising local crime can significantly reduce women’s participation in the workforce, turning safety into an economic barrier.

At work, the contradiction deepens. India’s legal framework on workplace harassment is considered robust, yet reporting remains low. In 2025, just a few hundred formal complaints were filed through official government channels—numbers widely seen as a fraction of reality. The reason is simple: reporting comes with consequences. Careers stall. Reputations suffer. Systems meant to protect can feel like they expose.

The Most Dangerous Place Isn’t the Street

Public fear often focuses on strangers. Data tells a different story. More than 90% of rape survivors in India know their attackers—they are family members, neighbors, acquaintances. Violence is not always a sudden घटना in a dark alley; it is often embedded in everyday relationships.

Globally aligned estimates suggest that nearly 1 in 3 women experience intimate partner violence in their lifetime. In India, many of these cases never reach the police. These are crimes that laws struggle to penetrate—not because they are rare, but because they are hidden behind doors, traditions, and dependence.

The Cost of Constant Vigilance

For many women, safety is not a state—it is a strategy.It is the message sent before entering a cab , the fake phone call while walking alone, the decision to skip a job, a class, a night out. This constant calculation extracts a psychological toll that data cannot fully capture. It also carries a national cost. When women limit mobility or opt out of opportunities, economic growth, urban life, and social equity all suffer.

India is not short on rules. It is short on reassurance. The uncomfortable truth is this: safety cannot be legislated into existence if it is not enforced, trusted, and felt. Until a woman can step out without mapping escape routes in her head, the gap between law and reality will remain wide—and deeply personal.

Because the real measure of safety isn’t how many laws exist. It’s how many women believe they work.

The post Women Safety in India: Why Women Still Don’t Feel Secure appeared first on The CSR Journal.

The horror is not just in the crime—it is in the silence that follows. A child, robbed of safety, dignity, and childhood, becomes another statistic in a system that often reacts too late. Across India and the world, minor girl child rape is not an isolated tragedy; it is a systemic failure.

Studies show that over half of children report facing some form of sexual abuse, and in many cases, the perpetrator is someone the child knows or trusts. This is not just a law-and-order issue—it is also a societal emergency.

When a Nation Fails Its Daughters: Why Governments Must Create Fear Before Crime, Not Regret After

There is something profoundly broken in a system where a child must suffer unimaginable violence before the state responds with outrage. The pattern is now painfully familiar: a brutal rape of a minor girl, public anger, political statements, promises of “strict action”—and then, silence.

The truth is uncomfortable, but it must be said clearly: governments are not acting with the urgency this crisis demands.

Not because they lack laws. Not because they lack power.

But because they lack consistent, uncompromising enforcement and political priority.

Laws Without Fear Are Just Words

India’s Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO) is, on paper, one of the strictest child protection laws in the world. In some cases, even the death penalty has been introduced for heinous rape of minors. And yet, the crimes continue. Why?

Because punishment after the crime does not create fear before the crime—especially when:

• Cases drag on for years

• Conviction rates remain inconsistent

• Accused individuals often roam free during trials

• Survivors are pressured into silence

A criminal does not fear a law. He fears certainty and right now, that certainty does not exist.

The Government’s Failure: Reaction Instead of Prevention

Governments often behave like crisis managers, not protectors. Action comes after public outrage, not before tragedy. Budgets are announced committees are formed , statements are made.

But on the ground:

• Police stations lack trained child protection officers

• Forensic delays weaken cases

• Victims face intimidation and social stigma

• Monitoring of repeat offenders is nearly non-existent

This is not a lack of resources. This is a lack of execution and accountability.

What Would Actually Create Fear in the Mind of a Potential Offender?

If the goal is prevention, then the system must send a clear message:

“If you commit this crime, you will be caught quickly, tried swiftly, and punished certainly.”

Here is what is required :

1. Guaranteed, Time-Bound Justice — Not Promises

Every rape case involving a minor must be:

• Investigated within a fixed timeframe (e.g., 30–60 days)

• Tried in fast-track courts with daily hearings

• Resolved within months, not years

Countries like the United Kingdom emphasize coordinated investigation and rapid legal processing through specialized units.

Fear comes from speed + certainty, not just severity.

2. No Bail for Heinous Crimes Against Minors

If the accused can walk free during trial, the system has already failed the victim.

• Strict no-bail provisions for severe cases

• Electronic monitoring of accused individuals where bail is granted

• Immediate arrest protocols

In many parts of the world, including Japan, legal reforms have expanded definitions and tightened enforcement, making it harder for offenders to escape early consequences.

3. Public Offender Registries and Tracking

Repeat offenders thrive in anonymity. Governments must:

• Maintain a national sex offender registry accessible to law enforcement

• Track movements of convicted offenders

• Restrict their access to schools, parks, and child-centric spaces

The United States has long used registries to monitor offenders, creating a layer of deterrence and surveillance.

4. Police Accountability — Not Just Training

Training alone is meaningless without consequences.

• If a police officer delays filing an FIR, there must be disciplinary action

• If evidence is mishandled, there must be legal consequences

• If a survivor is mistreated, there must be immediate suspension and inquiry

Fear must exist not just for criminals—but for negligence within the system.

5. Technology-Led Surveillance and Detection

Governments must stop lagging behind criminals in technology.

• AI systems to detect child abuse material online

• Monitoring of repeat offenders’ digital activity

• Fast forensic analysis using modern labs

The European Union has pushed for stronger platform accountability, recognizing that modern crimes often begin online.

6. Compulsory Prevention Education — Without Excuses

A system that does not educate children is complicit in their vulnerability.

• Mandatory “safe touch” education in all schools

• Anonymous reporting channels for students

• Strict background checks for all staff working with children

Prevention is not optional—it is the first line of defense.

The Hardest Truth: This Is Not Just a Legal Problem

Most perpetrators are not strangers.

They are:

• Relatives

• Neighbors

• Authority figures

Which means the government must address not only crime—but culture, silence, and power dynamics. Without community-level vigilance and awareness, laws will always arrive too late.

A Direct Question to Those in Power

How many more children must suffer before this becomes a non-negotiable national priority? Because right now, the message being sent—whether intended or not—is dangerous:

That outrage is temporary.

That systems are slow.

That consequences are uncertain.

And when consequences are uncertain, crime becomes easier.

The Bottom Line

A government that cannot protect its children has failed in its most fundamental duty. The solution is not louder speeches , It is not harsher words.

It is visible, immediate, and unavoidable consequences.

Until a potential offender believes—without doubt—that committing such a crime will destroy his life swiftly and surely, the system will remain reactive, and children will remain at risk.

This is not about politics anymore. This is about whether fear exists where it should—and safety exists where it must.

The post Minor Girl Rape Crisis in India: Laws Exist, But Where Is the Fear for Criminals? appeared first on The CSR Journal.

The event brought together 110+ women, including members of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs), ASHA workers, and Self‑Help Groups (SHGs) representatives from seven project villages. Designed as a cross‑learning platform, the meet enabled women to exchange insights, experiences, and grassroots solutions focused on water conservation and sustainable water use.

Interactive sessions covered scientific information sharing on aquifer mapping, groundwater awareness, and community-led water management, supported by learning-based games and group discussions to reinforce key conservation practices. A symbolic hand‑imprint activity by the participants formed a large water‑drop motif, representing collective ownership and unity in water stewardship. The event concluded with a collective pledge to advance the water‑saving practices introduced through the Jalashay Jalsamruddhi Programme, followed by a community lunch and distribution of small tokens to acknowledge women as catalysts of change.

Commenting on the initiative, Amit Bhasin, Chief Legal Officer, Group General Counsel, and Secretary of the CSR Committee, Marico Limited, said,“Empowering women in water governance is essential to building resilient communities. The Jalashay Jalsamruddhi Programme is rooted in the belief that sustainable water management must be community-led, with women’s voices and leadership at its core. Through projects like the Women Water Meet under the Paanishala initiative, women from across villages came together to deepen their understanding of groundwater, exchange knowledge, and strengthen their role as custodians of this vital resource. By placing gender equity at the heart of water stewardship, we are catalysing scalable, community-driven impact, where informed participation today shapes healthier, more sustainable ecosystems for tomorrow.”

Marico’s Jalashay initiative is a comprehensive water stewardship programme designed to replenish more water than the company consumes annually. Active across Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Pondicherry, and Gujarat, the programme drives community-led interventions such as water assessments, participatory budgeting, and the promotion of sustainable farming practices including drip irrigation and rainwater harvesting. To date, Jalashay has created over 487 crore litres of water potential, positively impacting 4,000+ farmers and their families.

Through its dual approach, demand-side interventions (Paanishala) focusing on efficient water use, and supply-side interventions (Jal Samruddhi) aimed at groundwater recharge and water storage, the Jalashay initiative addresses environmental, social, and economic challenges in water-stressed regions while contributing to SDGs 6 and 12. Under Paanishala, demand‑side efforts include promoting efficient irrigation practices and agricultural reforms such as drip irrigation and climate‑appropriate crop selection; building water‑resilient communities through capacity‑building programs, training, and water budgeting; and creating behavioural and structural change by offering incentives for farmers to adopt water‑saving technologies while implementing penalties, infrastructure upgrades, and awareness initiatives to reduce wastage and encourage responsible water use. On the supply side, Jal Samruddhi focuses on identifying and developing new water sources through groundwater recharge and rainwater harvesting, increasing water‑storage capacities via tanks, ponds, and aquifer recharge, and strategically diverting water to priority assets to strengthen supply in critical areas. It also leverages technology to treat and make previously unusable water potable through methods such as desalination and filtration.

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Details of Recent Police Actions

During his remarks, Mohanty provided information about a specific case involving a boy who allegedly kidnapped a girl from Puri and transported her to Kerala. He confirmed that authorities have apprehended the suspect and that an FIR has been lodged by the Puri police. The BJP leader stated that the Odisha police are rigorously pursuing such cases. He cited an instance where a young man initially identified himself as Jairam but was later revealed to be Irfan, which he linked to broader issues of love jihad in the region. Mohanty asserted that both the police and the state government are undertaking strict measures against these occurrences.

National Perspectives on Love Jihad

Earlier this year, Senior Advocate Ashwini Upadhyay characterized love jihad as a significant national issue, suggesting that it affects over five lakh girls annually across India. According to Upadhyay, love jihad is not only a social concern but also influences the demographic shifts within the country. He alleged that these incidents are part of an organized effort involving immigrants and systematic religious conversions. He remarked that such activities are designed to alter the demographic landscape of India, which he believes also impacts the cultural fabric of society.

Calls for Urgent Action

Upadhyay emphasized the need for immediate action to combat the issue, stating that love jihad is conducted in a calculated manner. He argued that if demographic changes occur in a particular area, they inevitably lead to changes in its cultural identity. His comments have added weight to ongoing discussions regarding the security and integrity of societal structures in various parts of the nation.

Current Developments

The conversation around love jihad and related practices has gained traction in various states, with multiple political figures calling for enhanced measures to prevent such occurrences. The situation in Odisha reflects a broader narrative being discussed at a national level, where various political leaders emphasize the importance of protecting citizens from perceived threats associated with love jihad. As such conversations continue, officials and community leaders are encouraged to engage in dialogue aimed at addressing these social issues while ensuring public safety and welfare.

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Bihar Finance Minister Vijayendra Yadav presented the state budget for the financial year 2026-27 in the Bihar Legislative Assembly on Tuesday. The total budget outlay stands at ₹3.47 lakh crore, marking an increase from last year’s ₹3.17 lakh crore.

The budget highlights enhanced allocations for key sectors including women’s welfare, agriculture, education, and employment, indicating the state government’s continued focus on social and economic development.

Increase in Budget Allocation Over Previous Year

The ₹3.47 lakh crore budget marks a significant expansion in financial planning compared to the previous fiscal year. The Finance Minister noted that the increase reflects the state’s ongoing efforts to accelerate infrastructure development and improve citizen welfare across multiple sectors.

Focus on Women-Centric Programmes

A substantial portion of the 2026-27 budget is directed towards initiatives aimed at empowering women. The state plans to strengthen existing welfare schemes and introduce new measures to promote gender equality, improve healthcare and education access for women, and enhance self-employment opportunities.

Emphasis on Agriculture and Rural Development

Agriculture continues to be a major priority for Bihar, with enhanced budgetary provisions to support farmers. Key initiatives include increased funding for irrigation facilities, farm mechanisation, and access to agricultural credit. Efforts will also be made to improve rural infrastructure and expand farmer training programmes.

Strengthening the Education Sector

The education sector receives a significant boost in the new budget, with increased allocations for school infrastructure, teacher training, and digital learning. The state aims to reduce dropout rates and improve quality of education, particularly in rural and backward areas.

New schemes are expected to promote technical and higher education, including scholarships for underprivileged students and upgraded facilities in government colleges and universities.

Employment Generation and Skill Development

In a bid to tackle unemployment, the Bihar government has proposed major investments in skill development and vocational training. Job-oriented programmes are planned to support youth employment, including partnerships with private industries, start-up support, and expansion of existing training centres.

Government departments will also be encouraged to create new positions and streamline recruitment processes, especially in health, education, and public works.

Infrastructure and Social Welfare Commitments

The 2026-27 budget continues to prioritise the development of roads, housing, drinking water, and electricity, particularly in rural and semi-urban regions. Funds have also been allocated to strengthen welfare schemes for senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and other vulnerable groups.

With the introduction of the new budget, the Bihar government reiterates its commitment to inclusive growth and administrative reforms aimed at transparent governance.

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So what exactly is SHE-Mart? And why is it being seen as a meaningful step in women’s economic empowerment?

From Home-Based Work to Market Ownership

Across India, especially in rural and semi-urban areas, women have always worked. They make pickles, weave baskets, stitch clothes, process food, and run small livelihood activities through Self-Help Groups (SHGs). Yet, despite their hard work, most of these women remain invisible in the marketplace. Their products often reach buyers through middlemen, local traders, or occasional fairs — limiting income, growth, and recognition.

SHE-Mart aims to change that story. At its heart, SHE-Mart is about giving women a place in the market — literally.

What Is SHE-Mart, in Simple Terms?

A SHE-Mart is a community-owned retail outlet run by women entrepreneurs, particularly those associated with Self-Help Groups. These marts will act as dedicated spaces where women can sell products they produce — directly to consumers.

Instead of selling from doorsteps, temporary stalls, or informal channels, women will now have permanent, visible, organised retail spaces. Think of it as moving from “made at home, sold quietly” to “made by women, sold with pride.”

Why the Name “SHE”?

“SHE” stands for Self-Help Entrepreneur — a subtle but powerful shift in language.

For years, women in SHGs have been seen mainly as beneficiaries of welfare or credit schemes. By calling them entrepreneurs, the government is reframing their role — from recipients to owners, from helpers to leaders. Language matters. And this shift signals intent.

Beyond Loans: A Shift in Thinking

India has no shortage of credit-linked schemes for women. What’s often missing is market access.

SHE-Mart recognises a simple truth:
Income doesn’t grow just because loans are available — it grows when products reach buyers.

That’s why this initiative focuses not just on financing, but on:
• Retail space
• Branding
• Visibility
• Business continuity

In short, it moves women from producing goods to running enterprises.

How It Builds on the ‘Lakhpati Didi’ Vision

SHE-Mart doesn’t come out of nowhere. It builds on the Lakhpati Didi programme, which aimed to help women earn sustainable incomes and lift their families financially.

While Lakhpati Didi focused on earning capacity, SHE-Mart focuses on business ownership. It’s the next step — from income generation to enterprise creation.

Why SHE-Mart Could Be a Game-Changer

1. Visibility Creates Value 
When products are displayed in proper retail outlets, their perceived value increases. Packaging improves, pricing becomes fairer, and trust builds with consumers.

2. Fewer Middlemen, Better Earnings
Direct selling means women keep a larger share of the profits instead of losing margins to intermediaries.

3. Confidence Through Ownership
Running a shop — handling inventory, customers, and finances — builds skills that go far beyond income. It builds confidence, decision-making power, and independence.

4. Stronger Local Economies
When women earn more, families spend more on health, education, and nutrition. The benefits ripple through entire communities.

What Happens Next?

The budget announcement lays out the vision. The real test will be in implementation — how these marts are funded, where they are set up, and how easily women can access them.

Clear guidelines, training support, and strong local partnerships will decide whether SHE-Mart becomes a symbol — or a success.

Why This Matters

SHE-Mart is not just about shops.
It’s about changing how women’s work is seen.

From unpaid and underpaid labour to visible entrepreneurship.
From survival income to sustainable business.
From the margins to the marketplace.

If done right, SHE-Mart could quietly rewrite the economic story of countless Indian women — one storefront at a time.

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According to UNESCO, less than 30 per cent of researchers across the world are women. Only around 30 per cent of all female students select STEM-related fields in higher education. Globally, female students’ enrolment is particularly low in ICT (3 per cent), natural science, mathematics and statistics (5 per cent) and in engineering, manufacturing and construction (8 per cent).

The CSR Journal takes a look at the contribution of CSR for inducting more women and girls in STEM fields in India.

Akanksha Scholarship for Women in STEM

Launched in 2019, the Akanksha Scholarship offers a renewable four-year scholarship of up to INR 1,50,000 per year, intended for tuition, fees and other educational costs. It is available to women who are residing in India and are enrolled in the first year of an undergraduate program in the fields of Computer Science Engineering (CSE), Computer Science Information Technology (CSIT) or related courses. Alongside academic excellence, candidates should also embody virtues of integrity, perseverance and leadership.

The scholarship is funded by infrastructure software provider company Progress. As part of Progress’ Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program, Progress for Tomorrow, the Women in STEM Scholarship series aims to increase the global presence of women in the fields of computer science, software engineering, information technology and/or computer information systems. The global series includes three separate scholarship programs for women in STEM in the US, Bulgaria and India.

This year, three Indian women have been selected for this honour: Prarthana R, Nikita S Raj Kapini, and Garnepudi Bhavika. Prarthana R is a first-year student at RV College of Engineering, Bengaluru, majoring in information science and engineering. Nikita S Raj Kapini is also a first-year student at the RV College of Engineering, majoring in engineering. Garnepudi Bhavika is an engineering student at the Siddhartha Institute of Technology, Kanuru.

P&G Shiksha Betiyan Scholarship

P&G Shiksha Betiyan Scholarship provides financial support and mentorship to girls pursuing STEM education. The unique scholarship program was launched in 2021-22 in collaboration with Centre for Civil Society to encourage female students to pursue careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields. The Scholarship provides financial and mentoring support to promote women’s access to and participation in STEM related jobs in the manufacturing and production industries. Since its inception, the scholarship has been awarded at select institutions offering STEM courses across Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Telangana, Rajasthan, Gujarat and Goa.

In the academic year 2022-23, the P&G Shiksha Betiyan Scholarship program marked a significant milestone by awarding 363 scholarships to deserving female students pursuing engineering courses. This initiative spanned 29 prestigious institutes in 5 states, underlining our commitment to fostering gender diversity in STEM fields.

Female students pursuing STEM-related courses in ITIs, Polytechnic and Engineering colleges are eligible for this scholarship. They should be nominated by their institution and should have good academic performance and attendance in their course. In the case of first-year students, details of the latest academic qualification will be considered. Proof of need and merit should be established. Institutions should be located in any of the following states – Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Telangana, Rajasthan, Gujarat and Goa.

vivo’s Women in STEM initiative

Under the Women in STEM initiative, vivo India offers scholarships to deserving women, facilitating their access to education and opportunities for successful careers. The initiative, in collaboration with the Shooting Stars Foundation, provides financial support, skill development, and job opportunities. ‘Women in STEM’ initiative aims to bridge the gender gap in STEM education and workforce participation.

Recently, vivo India, along with their implementation partner, the Shooting Stars Foundation, marked a significant milestone for its Women in STEM program by felicitating young beneficiaries from Delhi and NCR with scholarships. The ceremony, held at the vivo India Corporate Office in Gurugram, honoured these young women who have overcome significant challenges to carve out a niche for themselves and build successful careers in STEM fields. These beneficiaries were also able to experience the real-life functionality of a corporate workspace, interact with vivo’s leadership and assimilate into the values that one requires to excel in the field of technology.

Infosys Foundation’s STEM Scholarship Programme for girl students

Infosys Foundation, the philanthropic and CSR arm of Infosys, announced in August this year that that it has launched a scholarship programme called ‘STEM Stars’ to support education in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) fields for underprivileged girl students.

The programme aims to encourage and provide financial assistance, thereby helping them pursue an undergraduate degree in STEM. As part of the first phase of this programme, over 2,000 girl students across the country, who intend to pursue higher education in any of the STEM fields from reputed colleges, will be given financial assistance for four years.

In India, the primary factors preventing students from choosing STEM courses are lack of access, mentorship, and monetary constraints. The STEM Stars scholarship will help cover tuition fees, living expenses, and study materials of up to INR 1 lac annually for the duration of the STEM course. In its inaugural year, this scholarship will cover NIRF (National Institutional Ranking Framework) accredited institutes that include, the IITs, BITS-Pilani, NITs, and renowned medical colleges, the company announced.

Rolls-Royce’s Unnati Scholarship Programme for Women Engineering Students

In June 2023, on the occasion of International Women in Engineering Day, Rolls-Royce announced the launch of the fourth edition of its Unnati Scholarship Programme for Women Engineering Students, in association with Buddy4Study and Charities Aid Foundation (CAF) India.

With a focus on bridging the gender gap and raising female representation in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics), this programme aims to provide financial support to meritorious students from economically underprivileged backgrounds. The scholarship is open to all women students enrolled in undergraduate engineering degree programmes at any AICTE-recognised institution in India and fulfilling the criteria of the scholarship.

Rolls-Royce’s Unnati initiatives include a range of programmes that reach out to thousands of female students in middle and high school, as well as scholarships for STEM undergraduate studies that benefit hundreds of young women.

Sabre supports installation of STEM labs in six schools of rural Karnataka

Together with not-for-profit organization United Way Bengaluru (UWBe), Sabre Corporation, a leading software and technology provider have supported STEM labs in six Government-run schools in Chikkaballapur, rural Karnataka, close to Bengaluru. Many of the schools are based in underprivileged areas, and Sabre’s contribution is expected to improve the education of around 1,600 students from 26 villages every year. Around 1,000 of these are from a girls-only school, supporting the drive to encourage more women to enter technology fields. The labs are aimed at making complex subjects and concepts easier to understand while opening up new learning and career paths.

The new STEM labs will take learning beyond textbooks and into first-hand, practical experiences; fostering critical thinking, problem solving, and analytical mindsets, while encouraging students to improve communication skills through teamwork. This is expected to help to build confidence among students, while reducing the number of those dropping out from school.

All six new STEM labs were inaugurated at a special opening ceremony in October this year, where students from the schools presented models, they had created through learning activities in their new labs to teachers along with special guests from Sabre, UWBe, the Deputy Director Public Instruction, and Block Education Officers.

Iopex technologies supports STEM education of girl students in Chennai

In an effort to enhance the skills of students from rural communities, iOPEX Technologies announced partnership with Bhumi, independent youth volunteer non-profit organization, to provide STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education to more than 1,500 students from Grade VII to IX of Perunthalaiva Kamarajar Government Girls Higher Secondary School, Ambattur, Chennai in December, 2022.

The programme is designed to provide relevant education to the underprivileged children and engage them in subjects wherein they discover their true potential with the help of new learning methodologies such as fun-filled, interactive, and do-it-yourself activities.

IBM’s STEM for Girls in India CSR programme

In order to empower high school girl students to thrive in the digital economy, IBM has launched an initiative called STEM for Girls India. It is a three-year CSR programme (starting from the eighth standard) for imparting digital literacy and coding skills alongside career development and empowerment. The goal is to inculcate STEM skills and improve career prospects of over 2,00,000 girls and 1,00,000 boys too by making them employment-ready. The project began in 2019 and now spans 10 states, 600 secondary schools 78,000 girls and 45,000 boys.

The program is significant, as the new-collar jobs today demand technical skills in AI, data science, cybersecurity etc. These subjects require a knowledge base to be built in STEM during secondary and higher education.

IBM is also working closely with various state governments to help develop STEM skills among students. For instance, the company signed an agreement with Andhra Pradesh State Skills Development Corporation, Government of Andhra Pradesh to establish a Centre of Excellence (CoE). The CoE will provide high-end training in coding, cloud computing, AI, blockchain, Big Data and data analytics, cybersecurity and full-stack development.

IBM has also joined hands with Telangana Academy for Skill and Knowledge, Government of Telangana to offer ‘Open P-TECH’, a digital education platform. Under the partnership, IBM is providing P-Tech for learning emerging technologies and building professional development skills like design thinking to 30,000 students from polytechnic and engineering streams.

Mastercard’s Girls4Tech Programme

Mastercard launched Girls4Tech programme in 2014 to create future problem solvers by incorporating the payments technology company’s deep expertise in technology and innovation. The program’s aim is to enable kids to discover a range of STEM careers, such as fraud detective, data scientist and software engineer. In 2020, the company announced a new goal for the program to reach five million girls globally by 2025.

In India, supported by the Mastercard Impact Fund and in partnership with the American India Foundation (AIF), the program will train 1,200 teachers in 350 villages and five cities including Gurugram, Pune, Vadodara, Mumbai, and Chennai on the Girls4Tech curriculum by 2021. Through the partnership, the program will reach 100,000 girls ages 8-14 across 475 schools over the next 12 months.

Through the website Girls4Tech Connect, teachers and parents can download lessons to help students learn about STEM topics including encryption, fraud detection, data analysis and digital convergence, from the comfort of their homes or anywhere around the world. Lessons are currently available in English, Chinese, Hindi, Malay, Arabic, Spanish, Portuguese, French and Polish.

Mastercard aims to stimulate meaningful partnerships focused on empowering women to succeed in the digital economy. This initiative is a part of Mastercard’s recent commitment of Rs 250 crores (US$33 million) to help reboot Indian SMEs to unlock their economic potential.

Cisco’s Girls Power Tech Initiative

Cisco’s global initiative, Girls Power Tech (GPT), is a special learning opportunity for girls and young women to connect with Cisco mentors at offices around the world. GPT aims to inspire them to consider educational and career paths in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM).

Every April and May, the company hosts Girls Power Tech in alignment with the UN Girls in ICT Day, a global event organized by the UN International Telecommunication Union. The initiative connects girls and young women ages 13 to 18 with Cisco mentors for a day. Through this program, it has shared opportunities in the tech sector with thousands of young women worldwide. Cisco offices in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and the Americas hold events including office visits, tours, and presentations by female leaders. These employees discuss career opportunities and life in the technology field.

Students also get to use Cisco collaboration technologies to interact with other leading women at Cisco, as well as other girls participating in-office visits around the globe. More than 115 Cisco sites participated in Girls Power Tech in FY19. Each site determines what programs to offer.

Covestro India’s Efforts to Inspire Girl Students to take up STEM Education

Covestro, the global manufacturer of high-performance polymer materials, is taking steps beyond manufacturing to promote STEM learning among girls. The company has collaborated with g4g (greenlight for girls), an NGO based in Belgium to conduct a series of STEM workshops across the country. Over 100 girls in the age group of 10 to 15 years participated from different schools wherein they conducted simple science experiments that stimulated their curiosity and interest in science.

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