The Himachal Pradesh government has decided to provide 33 per cent reservation to women in co-operative societies to strengthen the co-operative movement, especially in rural areas, chief minister P K Dhumal today said.

"The larger representation of women at grass-root democratic bodies would ensure their greater participation in decision making," Dhumal said.

On the lines of reserving 50 per cent seats for women in Panchayati Raj Institutions and urban local bodies, the state government has decided to provide 33 per cent reservation to women in co-operative societies, the chief minister said.

Dhumal was speaking at the closing session of national executive of BJP Mahila Morcha at Solan.

"Women must be empowered socially, politically and economically to strengthen the country and the government was making a serious endeavour to achieve this goal," Dhumal said.

He said that the Rs 300 crore Doodh Ganga Yojna was basically women oriented and a large number of women self help groups were involved in dairy farming and getting remunerative returns.

The government has launched a number of schemes like Beti Hai Anmol, Matri Seva Yojna, Mata Shabri Mahila Sashaktikaran Yojna, Mukhya Mantri Kanyadaan Yojna aimed at women empowerment, besides free education upto university level, scholarships ranging between between Rs 300 to Rs 1,500 per month were being given to girls, he said.