To empower their women, the Rajput community has decided to boost efforts to educate the girl child for a better future.
Over one lakh members of the community will gather at Ajmer on December 18 for the Rajput self-sufficient conference. Governor of Punjab V P Singh Badnore will also address the community at the conference.
The Rajput community, which had discouraged women's education in the past, is now working towards the upliftment of their women and encouraging them to take up skills and jobs that were the natural preserve of men.
'An air-conditioned hostel has been constructed for girls in Ajmer. Those taking up higher education can avail all facilities free of cost. The hostel is not restricted only to Rajput girls, but those of all communities,' said Ranjeet Singh Nosal, president, Rajput Vikas Parishad (RVP), Ajmer division.
He said RVP, formed last year, was committed to reforming the community. As a first step, they have decided to construct hostels for girls in every division headquarter of the state.
'Education is key to development. So, Rajputs are encouraging their daughters to go to school,' he said.
The community is also taking up projects to develop the skills of women and empower them socially and economically.
'We are even asking them to step into the political field, lead the society and take up problems of women,' said Devinder Singh Shekhawat, a member of the parishad. He said that this was not a political organization but one that works for improving education.
The community has also decided to provide financial help of Rs 1 lakh to war widows in the state, start pensions for them and help their children study.
