In a significant move to promote women’s involvement in politics, the Indian National Congress launched the Indira Fellowship Programme today. The initiative was announced during a press conference at the Pradesh Congress Bhavan in Agartala city on Monday aimed at empowering women and increasing their representation in the political arena.
Addressing the media persons here, Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) President Asish Kumar Saha said, “The Indira Fellowship Programme is a pivotal part of our strategy to bring more women into the political landscape. We are committed to fostering leadership and participation of women in all aspects of governance and administration.”
The press conference was attended by Congress leaders including former Pradesh Congress president Piyush Kanti Biswas, state women’s Congress president Sarbani Ghosh Chakraborty, and state observer of the Mahila Congress, Momtaz Begum, who emphasized the party’s dedication to gender equality and women’s empowerment.
Speaking on the occasion, Momtaz Begum, the state observer for the Mahila Congress, elaborated on the significance of the programme. “The Indira Fellowship Programme is a tribute to the legacy of former Prime Minister Smt. Indira Gandhi. It aligns with the Indian National Congress’s longstanding mission to promote gender equality. Rahul Gandhi is deeply invested in ensuring greater participation of women in politics and nation-building, and he has called for women to actively join this revolution, which we call the Shakti Abhiyan.”
She went on to explain that the Indira Fellowship is an integral part of the Shakti Abhiyan, a broader initiative to empower women in political roles. “Through this fellowship, we aim to create a platform for women to step into leadership positions. Our core value is to ensure that women receive 50% of the resources, opportunities, and power in the political structure,” she said, adding, “I am determined to help build a society where women are at the heart of progress, driving change through their participation in the Shakti Abhiyan.”
The Congress party, under the leadership of Rahul Gandhi, has been pushing for reforms that encourage women’s participation in politics, with the Indira Fellowship seen as a crucial step in this direction. By providing support and resources to women aspiring for leadership roles, the programme aims to transform the political landscape and increase female representation in decision-making processes at all levels.
