Shimla, Sep 9 (IANS): Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh on Saturday batted for women empowerment by presenting development grants of Rs 21,000 each to 72 Mahila Mandals or women's groups.

Speaking at a function near here, he said the state has always accorded foremost priority to women empowerment by giving them equal freedom, status and honour.

"The women are being given ample opportunities to excel in every sphere of life and it's a matter of contentment that they are not lagging behind in any field. Today, the women are contributing for progress and development of the nation through their talent."

On the demand of the locals, the Chief Minister announced to open a degree college in Poaba Ka Chonra village near Chanog Panchayat in Shimla district.

He said that there were no financial constraints for opening educational institutes as it was his passion to provide excellent education facilities to the youths.

He said the Shimla rural constituency has been developed as a model constituency where every section and sector has been given priority.

Singh said that 10 government senior secondary schools, nine high schools, 10 middle schools and 15 primary schools were opened by his government besides three degree colleges, a polytechnic college, a fine arts college and a regional vocational training institute.