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Key Points

Himachal Pradesh celebrates a 17-point jump in its sex ratio to 964 females per 1000 males this year. The state credits this progress to welfare schemes supporting girls' education, marriage expenses, and landmark property rights reforms. Over ₹60 crore has been disbursed through initiatives like Kanyadan and Shagun Yojana for women's financial security. CM Sukhu's government is also constructing working women hostels and offering insurance covers to further empower female citizens.

Key Points: Himachal Pradesh sex ratio rises to 964 in 2024 amid welfare push

  • Sex ratio climbs 17 points from 947 to 964 in one year
  • Mukhyamantri Kanyadan Yojana supported 3,956 marriages with ₹19.89 crore
  • 12,192 girls benefited under Shagun Yojana with ₹37.79 crore
  • Land law amendment boosts women's property rights
3 min read

Himachal's sex ratio records improvement, touches 964 in 2024

Himachal's female population grows to 964 per 1000 males as CM Sukhu's welfare schemes empower women through education, marriage support & property rights

"These initiatives reflect the state's commitment to ensuring dignity for young women - Official Statement"

Shimla, June 22

The Himachal Pradesh government said on Sunday that the state saw a significant improvement in the sex ratio -- a rise from 947 in 2023 to 964 in 2024.

It attributed the improvement in gender equality to a growing societal shift towards valuing the girl child, reinforced by various schemes launched to support their well-being.

The sex ratio is the measure of the number of females per 1,000 males in a given population.

It serves as a crucial yardstick to measure gender equality.

The state government said that the financial support for the marriage of girls from economically weaker sections continues to be a key focus area.

Under the Mukhyamantri Kanyadan Yojana, Rs 1,989.31 lakh has been provided as to help 3,956 girls at the time of their marriage.

Likewise, the Mukhyamantri Shagun Yojana has extended support to 12,192 girls, with financial assistance of Rs 3,779.52 lakh as 'shagun'.

These initiatives reflect the state's commitment to ensuring dignity and support for young women as they enter a new phase of life, an official statement said.

Recognising the right of widows to remarry and lead a respectful life, the government has also extended financial assistance through the Widow Remarriage Scheme.

Under this scheme, 239 women have been supported with an assistance of Rs 291.15 lakh, encouraging their reintegration into society with dignity and support.

The welfare of orphan children has been given special attention under the Mukhyamantri Sukh Aashray Yojana, through which Rs 25.98 crore has been provided to support their overall well-being.

For educational support, 9,859 children have received Rs 302.18 lakh under the scheme, helping them to grow and learn in a secure and nurturing environment.

Besides, the state government took a historic step by passing the Himachal Pradesh Ceiling Land Holdings (Amendment) Bill of 1972.

This step is helping promoting gender equality and empowering women.

It addresses long-standing inequalities in property rights and shows the commitment towards social justice for women, the state government said.

The initiative reflects the vision of the Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu and is a bold step towards giving women greater financial independence and social empowerment across the state.

Apart from this, the state government has also started the Indira Gandhi Sukh Suraksha Yojana, under which it will deposit Rs 25,000 with an insurance company for each of the first two daughters born in a below poverty line (BPL) family.

The parents of the girl will receive a life insurance cover of Rs 2 lakh each.

The deposited amount will be handed over to the girl when she turns 18 or any time before she reaches the age of 27.

To support working women, the state government plans to build 13 working women hostels across key locations like Solan, Baddi, Palampur and Gagret, and the Medical Device Park in Solan.

These hostels, to be constructed in this fiscal at a cost of Rs 132 crore, will provide safe, affordable and convenient accommodation for employed women, enabling their economic independence.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya K.
This is heartwarming news! 👏 The government schemes seem to be making a real difference in changing mindsets. As someone from Himachal, I've seen how 'Beti Bachao' campaigns have transformed village discussions. But we must ensure these benefits reach remote areas too.
R
Rahul S.
Good progress, but 964 is still below natural ratio. Why can't we cross 1000? The property rights amendment is a game-changer though - financial independence for women will do more than any shagun scheme in long term.
A
Anjali M.
The working women hostels are much needed! As a professional who relocated to Shimla, finding safe accommodation was tough. More states should replicate Himachal's holistic approach - combining education, marriage support AND employment infrastructure.
V
Vikram J.
While schemes are good, we must track if money is being used properly. Some families might take the shagun money but still discriminate. Real change comes from education - glad to see scholarships being part of the package.
N
Neha P.
The widow remarriage support is progressive thinking! 👌 In our hills, widows often face terrible stigma. This financial backing + changing property laws will help break age-old taboos. Himachal showing the way for gender justice!
S
Sanjay T.
As an economist, I'm impressed by the multi-pronged approach - from birth (insurance scheme) to education to marriage support. But sustainability is key. Hope the next government continues these policies regardless of party politics.

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