25 July,2010
 

                                    Himachal Pradesh has shown the way in the year 2008 in women empowerment by making provision of 50 percent reservation for women in the Panchayati Raj and Urban Local Bodies. This was a step towards ensuring participation of women in the development process. It has not looked back after that and a number of welfare and innovative schemes and programmes have been initiated to improve their socio-economic lot. These efforts have also born fruits and it is the reason that one of the prestigious electronic channels and magazine in a nation wide survey last year found Himachal Pradesh the best in empowering the women folk and conferred on it the Diamond State Award for it.

The schemes being implemented for socio-economic development of the women folk are 'Beti Hai Anmol' which aims at bringing attitudinal change of the society towards female child. Under the scheme a provision of depositing Rs.5100 in the name of BPL girl child in the post offices have been made which child can withdraw on attaining the age of 18. This incentive is being given up to two girl child. Scholarship is also provided under this scheme to the girl child when she goes for study. Rs.300 scholarship is given in class 1st to 3rd, Rs.500 in class 4th and 5th, Rs.700 for class 6th and 7th , Rs.800 in class 8th, Rs.1000 in 9th and 10th class and RS.1500 in class +1 and +2 as annual scholarship under the scheme.

'Mother Teresa Ashay Matri Sambal Yojna' is another ambitious scheme being implemented in the state. Under this scheme such helpless women who have annual income less than Rs.18, 000 are being provided financial assistance of Rs.2000 per child. The assistance is provided for two children till they attain the age of 14 years. A provision of Rs.242 lacs had been made during current financial year under the scheme which would benefit more than 12000 children.

Under 'Mukhyamantri Kanyadan Yojna' girls and women whose family income is less than Rs. 15001 annually are being given

Rs.11, 001 as marriage grant. 1296 girls and women would be provided financial assistance under this scheme in the current financial year.

'Self-employment Scheme' is also being implemented for the women who have annual income less than Rs.7500 per annum. Rs.13 lacs provision has been made under this scheme this year. To help the widows to go for re-marriage Rs. 25,000 is being provided as financial assistance.

State government is also providing Rs.330 per month social security pension to such destitutes and widows whose annual income is less than Rs.9000. At present this pension is being provided to 67,730 widows and destitutes in the state to enable them to live a respectable life in the society.

14 working women hostel have been set up in the state. Working women have also been given special leave on Raksha Bandhan, Karva Chauth and Bhaiya Dooj besides free travel in Himachal Roadways Transport Corporation buses on Raksha Bandhan and Bhai Dooj. Married women having annual income less than    Rs.16, 000 and who are working and unmarried, divorcee and widows can stay in these hostels.

The efforts of the State Government have also resulted in success. The World Bank has also appreciated these in its report on Mid Himalayan Watershed Development Programme.