Correct Answer : Option (B) - May 15, 2024
The Indian political landscape mourns the loss of a pioneering figure, Kamla Beniwal, who breathed her last on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, at the age of 97. Beniwal, a veteran Congress leader and former governor of Gujarat, Tripura, and Mizoram, left an indelible mark on the nation’s political arena with her unwavering commitment and decades-long service.
Born on January 12, 1927, in Gorir, Jhunjhunu district, Rajputana Agency, British India, Beniwal’s journey was deeply rooted in the Indian independence movement. At the tender age of 15, she joined the Indian National Congress and actively participated in the Quit India Movement, showcasing her unwavering dedication to the cause of freedom.
A Trailblazer in Politics :
Beniwal’s political career began in 1954 when she won the Legislative Assembly election at the age of 27, becoming the first woman minister in Rajasthan. This milestone paved the way for her to hold various influential portfolios, including home, medical and health, education, and agriculture, over the course of her illustrious career.
Throughout her tenure as a minister in successive Congress governments in Rajasthan, Beniwal’s contributions were truly remarkable. From 1980 to 1990, she served as a cabinet minister, overseeing a diverse range of portfolios such as agriculture, animal husbandry, irrigation, labor and employment, education, art and culture, tourism, and integrated rural development.
Beniwal’s dedication to public service extended beyond her ministerial roles. She was closely associated with the functioning of the state Congress party and held significant positions within the organization, including membership in the All India Congress Committee, joint secretary of the Pradesh Congress Committee, and president of the Rajasthan Mahila Congress.