|| WAHEED UR REHMAN
In order to create a strong positive disposition towards girl child and reverse the alarming trend of declining child sex ratio, Jammu and Kashmir government approved the implementation of ‘LadliBeti’ scheme in six districts of the state. The scheme will be sponsored by the State. A social assistance scheme meant for new born girl child with the purpose to reverse the alarming trend of declining child sex ratio in the state. As per census 2011, Anantnag has abysmally low sex ratio of 841.
The scheme considers a life cycle approach addressing the concerns of girl’s right from the birth to adulthood and providing financial security that enables to create a strong positive disposition to the girl child. Under the scheme that has been implemented in eight districts and in future will be implemented in all districts of the state – Srinagar, Jammu, Budgam, Samba, Pulwama, Kishtwar, Anantnag and Kathua, with worst child sex ratio– the state government would contribute Rs 1,000 per month towards the birth of every girl child with effect from April 1, 2015, for next 14 years. The girl child would receive Rs 6.5 lakh on attaining 21 years of age. Parents with an annual income of less than Rs 75,000 per annum are eligible to receive the benefits of the scheme for their girl child. The scheme has been given effect from April 2015.
The main aim of the scheme is to provide financial assistance and social security to the girl child in the State. It will create a strong positive disposition towards the girl child and will reverse the alarming trend of declining child sex ratio. It will also alter the position/ dignity of the girl kid in family/ the public. It will also help to modify the people’s mindsets for appropriate taking care of the girl kid and as well to offer the girl child their birth rights as stated in Indian constitution. In order to provide a conducive and protective atmosphere to the girl child rests with the family and the society at large.
The girl child would receive Rs 6.5 lakh on attaining 21 years of age. Parents with an annual income of less than Rs 75,000 per annum are eligible to receive the benefits of the scheme for their girl child. The scheme has been given effect from April 2015.
The historic decision taken by the Party President and Parliamentarian Mehbooba Mufti totransform the status of women in the society will achieve the desired objective of securing the future of the girl child. Schemes like MNREGA and IAY have helped to create sustainable assets in the far flung areas of the state Jammu and Kashmir and the change is visible on ground in every part of the district. Construction of roads in the areas which were not having any connectivity before and construction of bunds near flood prone areas of the state is going on well planned. LadliBeti scheme is not a dowry, but a monetary support from government for girls to become important part of our society.
It is now our responsibility besides District Programme Officer’s of every district to conduct extensive awareness camps to educate the masses about the different central and state welfare schemes. Such schemes will help in making the future of our children.
The historic decision taken by the Party President and Parliamentarian Mehbooba Mufti totransform the status of women in the society will achieve the desired objective of securing the future of the girl child.
The author is State Youth President of People’s Democratic Party and Political Analyst in the Chief Minister’s Office. Feedback at: [email protected]
