The National Commission for Women (NCW) has launched a two-pronged initiative in Tripura to boost empowerment of women by promoting careers in the defence forces and strengthening Self-Help Groups (SHGs). During her visit to Gomati district, NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar urged young women to consider national service while encouraging rural women to achieve economic independence through entrepreneurship and government welfare schemes.
Key Takeaways
- NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar visited Gomati district for two women-centric programmes.
- ‘She Serves’ programme encouraged girls aged 16-23 to pursue defence careers.
- BSF officers explained recruitment, eligibility and career opportunities.
- NCW interacted with SHG beneficiaries to review grassroots implementation of welfare schemes.
- The visit highlighted defence service and entrepreneurship as parallel pathways for women’s empowerment.
Udaipur (Tripura): The National Commission for Women (NCW) has stepped up its efforts to widen career opportunities for women in Tripura by promoting two distinct yet complementary pathways—service in the country’s defence forces and entrepreneurship through Self-Help Groups (SHGs).
During a day-long visit to Gomati district on Wednesday, NCW Chairperson Vijaya Rahatkar inaugurated the ‘She Serves’ capacity-building programme for young women and later held an interaction with women SHG beneficiaries. Together, the two programmes reflected a broader strategy of empowering women through leadership, economic independence and national service.
Officials said the initiatives were designed to encourage women to take on larger roles in society while strengthening their participation in the country’s development.
Defence Careers Open New Opportunities for Young Women
The first programme took place at the Panchayati Raj Training Centre in Udaipur, where Rahatkar inaugurated the ‘She Serves’ initiative.
The programme targets girls between the ages of 16 and 23 years. It seeks to prepare them for careers in the Indian Armed Forces and other defence organisations.
Addressing the gathering, Rahatkar said women have become active contributors to national development, security and social progress. She encouraged participants to view the defence services as a meaningful career option and a platform for leadership.
She said more women are entering sectors that were once considered male-dominated. According to her, this growing participation is strengthening both the country’s security and its development.
Gomati District Magistrate Rinku Lather delivered the welcome address.
Among those present were Tripura Women’s Commission Chairperson Jharna Debbarma, Kakraban Panchayat Samiti Chairperson Supriya Saha, Special Secretary of the Social Welfare and Social Education Department Tapan Kumar Das, Gomati Superintendent of Police Anirban Das, BSF 37 Battalion Inspector Reshmi Negi, BSF Tripura Frontier Deputy Commandant Dr. Rini Bishnoi, District Social Welfare Officer Biplab Ghosh and other officials.
BSF Officers Explain Defence Recruitment Process
A technical session titled “Empowering Young Women for Careers in the Defence Forces” formed an important part of the programme.
The session was conducted by BSF 37 Battalion Inspector Rashmi Negi, BSF Tripura Frontier Deputy Commandant Dr. Rini Bishnoi and BSF 81 Battalion Sub-Inspector Rachna.
The officers explained career opportunities available in the defence services. They discussed eligibility criteria, recruitment procedures, physical and mental preparation and long-term career prospects.
Participants also received practical guidance on building the skills, discipline and confidence needed for uniformed service.
Organisers said the programme aims to inspire patriotism, develop leadership qualities and help young women prepare for careers dedicated to national service.
Entrepreneurship Emerges as Another Path to Empowerment
Later in the day, Rahatkar visited the Matabari Block Panchayat Resource Centre, where she interacted with women Self-Help Group beneficiaries under the Matabari RD Block.
The interaction focused on women’s economic empowerment and the implementation of government welfare schemes at the grassroots level.
The programme brought together women entrepreneurs, panchayat representatives and administrative officials. It provided a platform for direct dialogue between policymakers and beneficiaries.
Joining the NCW Chairperson were Tripura Women’s Commission Chairperson Jharna Debbarma, District Magistrate Rinku Lather, Matabari RD Block BDO Arijit Pal, Matabari Panchayat Samiti Chairperson Shilpi Das and other senior officials.
Women SHG members shared their experiences, challenges and success stories. They also spoke about their efforts to improve household incomes through collective enterprises.
The interaction enabled officials to assess how government initiatives are supporting women at the village level and identify areas that require further attention.
Direct Feedback Strengthens Policy Implementation
Addressing the SHG members, Rahatkar stressed that women’s economic independence remains central to the country’s inclusive development.
She said both the Central and State governments are implementing several welfare schemes to improve women’s socio-economic conditions.
According to her, direct interaction with beneficiaries provides valuable feedback on the effectiveness of these programmes and helps policymakers understand local realities.
Officials said the discussion improved awareness of government schemes and encouraged greater participation among women in livelihood and development initiatives.
Enewstime Editor-in-Chief’s Perspective:
Defence and Entrepreneurship Complement Each Other
The two programmes highlighted a broader vision of women’s empowerment. One encouraged young women to serve the nation through the defence forces. The other strengthened rural women through entrepreneurship and community-based economic activities.
Together, they demonstrated that women’s empowerment extends beyond employment alone. It includes leadership, financial independence, skill development and active participation in nation-building.
Officials believe such initiatives can motivate more young women in Tripura to explore careers in defence while enabling rural women to become financially self-reliant through Self-Help Groups.
As women’s participation continues to grow across sectors, programmes such as ‘She Serves’ and direct engagement with SHGs are expected to create new opportunities for inclusive development in Tripura. By combining career guidance with grassroots economic empowerment, the National Commission for Women aims to build a stronger ecosystem where women contribute equally to both national security and local economic growth.