Tribune News Service

Shimla, July 27

Shimla, Sirmaur and Mandi rank among the top 10 districts of the country for having done commendable work under the Beti Bachao, Beti Padao (BBBP) programme.

The Union Ministry of Women and Child Development (WCD) had undertaken a survey to assess the work being done by various districts with regard to the programme across the country. Shimla Deputy Commissioner Amit Kashyap has been invited by Aastha Saxena Khatwani, Joint Secretary, WCD, to receive the award at the function to be held in Delhi on August 7, 2019.

The recognition for Shimla district’s good work has come because of effective implementation of schemes aimed at ensuring the girl child’s safety, health and nutrition. Brainchild of the Deputy Commissioner, the district administration brought out a handbook “Mahila Suraksha’ (women safety) on March 14, 2018. It is also available in Braille.

The booklet provides essential tips on personal safety, important legal provisions and how to deal with sexual harassment at work place. It also contains important phone numbers and helpline numbers that one can dial in such situations to get assistance.

Shimla district has also launched the Ananya programme, which ensures a healthy and balanced nutritional diet for the growing girl child. The state government has also launched “Shakti App” and Gudia helpline 1515 for the protection of women.

In Sirmaur, people were made aware about the significance of the girl child, said Deputy Commissioner Dr RK Pruthi. The slew of awareness campaigns had led to an increase in the child sex ratio last year. This was a major indication of the success of this campaign.

He said of the 648 district, Sirmaur figures among the top 10. It would be awarded at a special function to be held in Delhi on August 7.

This year, 1,588 girls were born against 1,509 boys in Paonta Sahib developmental block. As per 2011 Census, the child sex ratio in the district was 918 and it has now increased to 963. In another achievement, 1,431 girls had been born in Kyari panchayat of Nahan block as compared to 1,000 boys in 2014. District Programme Officer Madan Singh Chauhan said the district had registered a child sex ratio of 1,004 in 2018-19 and this had fetched it the national honour.

Mandi district has been selected for award by the Ministry of Women and Child Development for doing outstanding work under Beti Bachao Beti Padao programme. Mandi district is among 10 districts of the nation which have been selected for this award.