Jaipur, Dec. 20 -- Chief minister Bhajan Lal Sharma on Friday said the state's development journey cannot move forward without empowering women. Addressing a Women's Conference organised to mark two years of the state government, Sharma announced a slew of welfare and empowerment measures, including the transfer of Rs.1,100 crore to 9.1 million pension beneficiaries, the launch of nationwide portability under the Chief Minister Ayushman Arogya Scheme, and expanded support for women's safety, health, education and self-reliance. He said, "Women empowerment is the cornerstone of Rajasthan's inclusive development," asserting that holistic progress is impossible without strengthening Nari Shakti. The chief minister said that Indian culture has always revered women, and his government is translating this belief into action through focused policies and schemes aimed at women's dignity, security and economic independence. During the programme, nearly Rs.1,100 crore was transferred directly into the bank accounts of 9.1 million beneficiaries under various Social Security Pension Schemes. Under the Palanhar Scheme, Rs.103 crore was transferred to over 595,000 beneficiaries. Additionally, Rs.2.5 crore was provided to 5,000 students under the Chief Minister Higher Education Scholarship Scheme, while Rs.15 crore was transferred to 155,000 SC/ST students under the Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme. To promote women entrepreneurship, Rs.100 crore in loan assistance was extended to 5,000 'Lakhpati Didis', along with tablet distribution to Lakhpati Didis, Krishi Sakhis and Pashu Sakhis. The chief minister announced the launch of outbound portability under the Chief Minister Ayushman Arogya Scheme, making Rajasthan the first state in India to offer this facility. Beneficiaries will now be able to avail cashless treatment in other states as well. Currently, 1,800 hospitals are empanelled in Rajasthan, with another 31,000 hospitals nationwide set to be integrated. The state government has trained 1.9 million women, creating over 1.2 million Lakhpati Didis, he said, adding that under the Lado Protsahan Yojana, over 460,000 girls are being supported with financial assistance of Rs.1.5 lakh in instalments. Monthly free sanitary napkins are being provided to 12.2 million women and girls, while maternity assistance has been increased to Rs.6,500, benefitting nearly 1 million pregnant women . To strengthen women's safety, 22,000 CCTV cameras, 500 Kalika Patrolling Units and 65 Anti-Romeo Squads have been deployed. Crimes have declined by 12% compared to the last two years of the previous government. Sharma also highlighted major development works undertaken in Dholpur....