Bhopal, Apr 25: Governor Dr Balram Jakhar today honoured women representatives of Gram Panchayats by presenting them letters of citation at the convocation of Agaz Academy held at Samanvay Bhawan. Woman and Child Development Minister Ms Kusum Mehdele was also present on the occasion.

Addressing the gathering, Dr Jakhar said that women are equally responsible for creation of a healthy society. Women are the backbone of society. Expressing concern over less literacy rate among women, Dr Jakhar exhorted them to become literate since a person cannot become aware his or her real strength without proper knowledge. The Governor urged the women representatives to read and write a lot, realise their strength and use the same in the right direction. Dr Jakhar said that women should not seek the office of Panch/Sarpanch for availing benefits alone.

He said that no doubt efforts are being undertaken by the state and central governments for ensuring equal status for women in the society, yet there is need to intensify these efforts. The Governor told the public representatives and officers that apart from discharging their duties, it was also imperative to do justice with everyone as human beings.

Ms Mehdele exhorted the women public representatives to ensure their participation in rural development. The women Panchas enumerated their experiences on this occasion.