Jaipur, March 9 -- Rajasthan chief minister Bhajan Lal Sharma on Sunday hailed women as the "axis of society" whose empowerment drives social progress and national development, urging greater awareness of their rights, dignity, and equal opportunities. Speaking at a state-level International Women's Day function at Dhan Mandi in Hanumangarh, Sharma said, "Women are the axis of society, whose empowerment drives social progress and national development." Sharma spoke about prioritising education, health, and self-reliance for "half the population". He extended greetings, saying women power continues to inspire the nation. Sharma cited President Droupadi Murmu as a symbol of pride and highlighted Colonel Sophia Qureshi and Wing Commander Vyomika Singh for enhancing India's honour during Operation Sindoor. He also praised sportspersons such as PV Sindhu, Smriti Mandhana, Mirabai Chanu, Harmanpreet Kaur, Manu Bhaker, and Avani Lekhara for earning global recognition. Sharma credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi with centring policies on women. He noted that the Swachh Bharat Mission built over 120 million toilets for women's safety and dignity, the Ujjwala scheme provided more than 110 million LPG connections, and over 70% of Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana houses are registered in women's names or jointly. The Nari Shakti Vandan Act, granting 33% reservation for women in Parliament and state assemblies, has opened new empowerment avenues. The state government remains committed to women's empowerment and safety, Sharma said. In Rajasthan, more than 1,600,000 lakh women have become "Lakhpati Didis", while 139,000 lakh self-help groups received Rs.679 crore in livelihood aid. Under the Mukhyamantri Ekal Nari Samman Pension Yojana, over 19 lakh women pensioners got Rs.6,876 crore; the Mukhyamantri Kanyadaan Yojana disbursed around Rs.101 crore for over 27,000 girls' marriages. The Lado Protsahan Yojana promotes positive attitudes towards girls' health and education with Rs.1.5 lakh in seven instalments, benefiting over six lakh girls. Schemes like Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana and Maa Voucher Yojana bolster welfare. Effective state measures have cut average investigation time for crimes against women from 128 days in 2020 to 52 days, with such cases down around 10% in 2023 from the previous year. During the event, Sharma laid foundation stones and inaugurated works worth over Rs.1,000 crore. He launched the Lado Protsahan Yojana portal, transferred direct benefit transfer payments under schemes including Mukhyamantri Matritva Poshan Yojana and Balika Doordarshita Shiksha Yojana, distributed symbolic PM SVANidhi Yojana and Mukhyamantri Nari Shakti Udyam Protsahan Yojana loan cheques, and presented Pannadhay Suraksha and Samman Yojana awards. Sharma said Rajasthan's bravehearts have always played a leading role in national service, noting that nearly every village in the state has a family that has served in the armed forces. "A soldier never truly retires; they continue to serve the nation and society throughout their lives. Their sacrifice and dedication remain a source of inspiration for all," he said. Addressing the Gaurav Senani Samaroh at the district sports stadium in Churu, Sharma said the land of Shekhawati has consistently upheld the spirit of patriotism. He paid tribute to decorated soldiers including Piru Singh, Shaitan Singh and Sagat Singh, who brought laurels to Rajasthan. The chief minister announced that the Churu district sports stadium will be renamed after Lt Gen Sagat Singh for his exemplary leadership and courage in the 1971 India-Pakistan war. Sharma said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is emerging as a major global power and steadily moving towards self-reliance in defence production. He cited operations such as the Balakot air strike and Operation Parakram as examples of decisive responses to security challenges. Highlighting welfare measures, the chief minister said the state government is committed to addressing issues faced by serving and retired soldiers and their families. Outreach efforts have directly engaged ex-servicemen, Veer Naris and their dependents. He announced that integrated soldier welfare complexes will be developed in a phased manner to provide services under one roof, including district soldier welfare offices, war memorials, canteens, health centres and community halls....