13 women presented Teelu Rauteli Awards, 33 Anganwadi workers also felicitated
Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 4 Sep: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami today presented 13 women with the Teelu Rauteli Award for their outstanding contributions across diverse fields. He also honoured 33 Anganwadi workers for exemplary service at the State-level Stree Shakti, Teelu Rauteli, and Anganwadi Workers Award ceremony held at the IRDT Auditorium, Survey Chowk, here.
Addressing the gathering on the occasion, Dhami paid homage to the legendary warrior, Teelu Rauteli, recalling her valour at the tender age of 15. He observed that at an age when children are learning to play and study, Teelu Rauteli demonstrated extraordinary courage and martial skills. He said it would not be an exaggeration to call her the Rani of Jhansi of Uttarakhand.
At the ceremony, the CM also reminded the gathering of the central government’s initiatives under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, citing the mantra ‘Nari Tu Narayani’. He also reminded about the ongoing schemes such as Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao, Ujjwala Yojana, and Lakhpati Didi Yojana.
Dhami also noted that the provision of 33 percent reservation for women in Parliament and state assemblies, along with the abolition of instant triple talaq, has significantly strengthened the social position of women in the country.
The CM asserted that under the Prime Minister’s guidance, the state government remains committed to the welfare and empowerment of women. He stated that the 30 percent reservation for women in government services and the historic adoption of a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) are aimed at safeguarding women’s rights and security. He further spoke about the state-level schemes such as the Mukhya Mantri Laghu Udyog Protsahan Yojana and the Udyamita Vikas Karyakram, which, he stated, are designed to promote women’s entrepreneurship.
He added that to make women financially self-reliant, interest-free loans of up to Rs 5 lakhs are being provided to self-help groups. Since 2023, the award money for Teelu Rauteli recipients has been increased from Rs 31,000 to Rs 51,000, while Anganwadi Worker awardees now receive Rs 51,000 instead of Rs 21,000.
The CM also emphasised the pivotal role of Anganwadi centres in shaping early childhood development, especially in rural areas where children first learn values and receive primary education. He shared that his own children had received their initial education and values from an Anganwadi centre. He stated that to strengthen these institutions, the government has increased the honorarium for Anganwadi, mini-Anganwadi, and Sahaikayen. Anganwadi workers, who earlier received Rs 7,500, now get Rs 9,300. Mini-Anganwadi workers receive Rs 6,250 instead of Rs 4,500, and helpers now get Rs 5,250 instead of Rs 3,550. A provision has also been made for the promotion of Anganwadi workers to the post of supervisor.
Dhami asserted that the government would continue to work with full strength, commitment, and dedication to uphold the dignity and rights of women. He observed that the women of Uttarakhand possess both capability and qualification, and claimed that products from the House of Himalayas, crafted by women’s self-help groups, are outperforming multinational brands. He said he consistently encourages women’s collectives and recalled PM Modi’s statement from the land of Baba Kedar that the third decade of the 21st century would belong to Uttarakhand, with women’s groups playing a decisive role in this transformation.
The CM also mentioned that the award ceremony, originally scheduled for 8 August, had to be postponed due to the ongoing disaster situation in the state. He said that the government, with support from the Centre, is making every effort to reach the families affected by the disaster and provide necessary assistance to them.
Women Welfare Minister Rekha Arya stated that, under Dhami’s leadership, the state government has taken several significant steps for women’s welfare, including the enhancement of Anganwadi workers’ honorarium.
The recipients of the Teelu Rauteli Award for 2025 include Meeta Upadhyay from Almora, Alisha Manral from Bageshwar, Surbhi from Chamoli, Anamika Bisht from Champawat, Shivani Gupta from Dehradun, Ruma Devi from Haridwar, Naina from Nainital, Roshma Devi from Pauri Garhwal, Rekha Bhatt from Pithoragarh, Hema Negi Karasi from Rudraprayag, Sakshi Chauhan from Tehri Garhwal, Rekha from Udham Singh Nagar, and Vijayalakshmi Joshi from Uttarkashi.
Among those present at the ceremony included MLA Khajan Das, Secretary Chandresh Kumar and Director Banshilal Rana.
