Assam: Gauhati University workshop discusses impact of Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana on women

Guwahati: A day-long workshop was held at Gauhati University on February 20 to discuss the outcomes of a research project on the impact of the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana (PMUY) on the lives of women in Assam and West Bengal, said a statement.

The project, sponsored by the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR), was conducted by a team of researchers from Gauhati University, Jawaharlal Nehru University, Aliah University, and Serampore Girls College. The workshop aimed to disseminate the findings of the project to beneficiaries, educators, and the general public.

Health Concerns Addressed, Government Efforts Appreciated

The workshop was inaugurated by Dr. Kumud Saikia, retired Joint Director of Health for the Assam government. Dr. Saikia highlighted the increasing health problems associated with traditional cooking methods and commended the government's initiatives like PMUY for improving the lives of underprivileged families.

Importance of Social Impact Assessment Emphasized

Dr. Sambit Mallick, Professor of Sociology at IIT Guwahati, emphasized the importance of such research projects in evaluating the social impact of government schemes. He stressed the need to assess the effectiveness of PMUY in improving the lives of women.

Workshop Garners Support from Stakeholders

Other speakers, including Thaiu Mag, Deputy Director of AIIMS Guwahati, Dr. Pulin Boro, CMO of Gauhati University Hospital, and Dr. Rana Sarmah, former Principal of Paschim Guwahati College, all emphasized the significance of the workshop in shaping policy decisions at various levels.

Project Details and Findings Presented

Prof. Dhrubajyoti Sahariah, Head of the Geography Department at Gauhati University, welcomed the guests and participants. The project coordinator, Prof. Bimal Kumar Kar, elaborated on the project's objectives, key findings, and the workshop's purpose.

An interactive session followed the inaugural ceremony, where project team members, including Prof. Anuradha Banerjee, Prof. Madhushree Das, Dr. Rukhsana, and Dr. Dhanjit Deka, shared their research findings and field experiences from surveying 2,000 women across 10 districts in Assam and West Bengal.