New Delhi, Aug. 11 -- Uttarakhand chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Monday said women's empowerment was central to the state's development and that the government was working to provide women greater opportunities in employment, entrepreneurship and leadership.

Dhami made the remarks while participating in a women's dialogue programme organised in Bhauwalla, Dehradun, on the occasion of the Teej festival. According to a state government press release, he interacted with women attending the programme, heard their expectations and suggestions, and felicitated women for their contributions in different fields.

Dhami said government policies were more effective when they incorporated people's experiences and views. He described women as...