Women in Himachal Pradesh are getting a fairer deal and fuller opportunities in their march towards empowerment. One can feel and foresee unfolding of a new era of women development in the State with the present Government’s special concern and commitment for their welfare. Top priority has been given by the State Government for the betterment of women folk in the State. For this various innovative schemes are being implemented especially for the betterment of vulnerable section.To emphasize importance of girl child and ensure socio-economic development of womenfolk, the State Government has launched a scheme called ‘Beti Hai Anmol’ in the State. The Scheme 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 the child can withdraw on attaining the age of 18. This incentive is being given up to two girl children. Scholarship is also provided under this scheme to the girl child when she goes for study. Under the scheme annual scholarship of Rs.300 is given for class 1st to 3rd, Rs.500 in class 4th, Rs. 600 in Class 5th, Rs.700 in class 6th and 7th , Rs.800 in class 8th, Rs.1000 in 9th and 10th class and Rs.1500 in Plus 1 and Plus 2.
To ensure more participation of women in development process at all levels, Himachal Pradesh was one of the few first States in the Country to provide 50 percent reservation to women in Panchayati Raj Institutions and Urban Local Bodies in 2008. Free education is being imparted to girl student in the State up to University level, including vocational and professional courses.
Under ‘Mukhyamantri Kanyadan Yojana’ girls and women whose annual family income is less than Rs. 15000 are being given Rs.11,001 as marriage grant. Under ‘Matri Shakti Bima Yojana’ Rs. One lakh is being given in case of death of a woman and her earning husband.
With a view to relieve the poor women belonging to below poverty line scheduled caste families from the drudgery of collecting fuel wood, the State Government has launched “Mata Shabri Mahila Shashaktikaran Yojana” from the current financial year. Under this scheme, subsidy of 50% is being given to women for purchase of a new LPG gas connection and stove. The scheme would also help in checking forest felling, thereby supplement the endeavour of the State Government in increasing green cover. As many as 5000 families would be assisted under this scheme during the current financial year in the State.
SABLA Scheme is being implemented on pilot basis in Solan, Kangra, Kullu and Chamba districts. Under the scheme, services like supplementary nutrition with iron-folic acid and health education, vocational and skill development training and referral services would be provided to adolescent girls.
Under “Matri Sewa Yojana” Free institutional delivery is being done in Government hospitals besides providing free medicine upto 48 hours. In case of refer to another health institutions, free transport facilities are being provided. Besides, they are also given free transport facility on discharge for going home. Financial assistance of Rs 600 in urban areas and Rs 700 in rural areas is being given to the women on discharge from the hospital.