Dehradun, March 25 -- Chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Tuesday stressed a holistic approach for women's welfare, stating the state government is committed to empowering daughters at every stage of life -- from birth to education, health and employment -- through a range of targeted schemes and policy initiatives. The chief minister said this while participating in a mass "Kanya Pujan" ceremony in Dehradun's Premnagar area. Extending greetings to the people on the occasion of Chaitra Navratri, he said the festival is not just a religious observance but a celebration of "Shakti" (energy) and the cultural ethos that accords women a high place in society. Dhami said the government's policies aim to ensure that girls receive equal opportunities and support throughout their lives. "From ensuring proper care at birth to facilitating education, healthcare, skill development and employment, our focus is on building a system where every daughter can grow with dignity and confidence," he said. Highlighting key initiatives, the chief minister said, "The state is implementing schemes such as Nanda Gaura Yojana and Gaura Devi Kanyadhan Yojana to provide financial assistance and encourage welfare of girls." He added that programmes like the Mukhyamantri Mahalakshmi Kit Yojana aim to support maternal and child health, while the Poshan Aahar Yojana focuses on improving nutritional outcomes among women and children. The chief minister further said the "government is promoting girls' education through scholarships, provision of bicycles to students entering Class 9, and financial incentives upon passing Class 12". He also highlighted that women have been given 30% horizontal reservation in government jobs to enhance their participation in the workforce. Dhami said financial assistance is being extended to support the marriages of daughters from economically weaker sections, including registered construction workers, as part of welfare measures. He noted that these steps are aimed at reducing social and economic barriers faced by families and ensuring security for women. Calling "Kanya Pujan" a powerful symbol of respect, compassion and service, the chief minister said the nine days of Navratri also serve as an opportunity to reaffirm values of social responsibility and gender equality. "We must collectively resolve to protect, educate and empower every daughter so that the true spirit of this tradition is reflected in our society," the chief minister said. He also lauded the organisers of the event for conducting the "mass Kanya Pujan", where over a thousand girls were worshipped, stating that such initiatives help strengthen awareness and respect for women at the grassroots level....