The President Mrs. Pratibha Devisingh Patil has said that the government is committed to empower the women by giving equal opportunity and adequate training to make them skilled work force.<br/><br/>Launching the National Mission for Empowerment of Women in New Delhi on Monday, she said government is also working on a plan to empower them administratively by enhancing their representation in local bodies to 50 per cent. At present, it is about 36 per cent.<br/><br/>Calling education a must for the girl child, the President sought to increase the incentive for the same. The President informed that she has spoken to the Prime Minister, the Finance Minister and the Planning Commission requesting them to make available loans to women entrepreneur at just 4 per cent interest.<br/><br/>The President further informed that the Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh has given his consent to chair the mission. The President also gave away Stree Shakti Puruskar for the year 2008-2009 to women achievers.<br/><br/>The Awards carry 3 Lakh rupees and a citation. Dr. Sunita Devi of Haryana bagged Rani Lakshmibai Puruskar for the year 2008 while it went to Dr. M. Vijya of Karnataka for the year 2009.<br/><br/>Kannagi Award went to Mrs. Mahjabeen of Andhra Pradesh for the year 2008 and to Mrs. Phoolbasan Bai Yadav of Chhattisgarh for 2009.<br/><br/>Rani Gaidinliu Zeliang Award went to Mrs. Jhingubai Shrawan Bolake of Maharashtra for 2008 and Dr. Ved Kumari Ghai of Jammu & Kashmir for 2009. Mrs. Hina A. Shah of Gujarat bagged Devi Ahilyabai Holkar Award for the year 2008 while it when to Mrs. Rashmi Singh, of Delhi for 2009.<br/>