ITANAGAR, Mar 3 : The implementation of the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao (BBBP) scheme has led to a remarkable improvement in Arunachal Pradesh’s sex ratio, with 14 out of 25 districts recording over 900 females per 1,000 males in 2023-24, State’s Women & Child Development (WCD) Minister Dasanglu Pul announced on Monday.
Speaking at a Beti Janmotsav event in Roing, Lower Dibang Valley district to mark the 10th anniversary of the scheme, Pul revealed that the state’s sex ratio stood at 948.68 females per 1,000 males, surpassing the national average of 930.
Notably, five districts namely, Shi-Yomi, East Kameng, Kamle, Upper Siang, and Tawang recorded sex ratios exceeding 1,000 in 2023-24, she said.
The Minister also highlighted a significant decline in the dropout rate among girls at the secondary and higher secondary levels, which lowered from 30.89 percent in 2019-20 to 12.5 percent in 2021-22. Additionally, the first-trimester ANC (Antenatal Care) registration – crucial for early pregnancy care – has improved substantially, Pul said.
Emphasizing the impact of the BBBP scheme, the Minister urged women to take advantage of various government schemes for their empowerment. She also called for greater awareness on girl child trafficking and strong parental support to ensure the safety of the girls.
Pul outlined key government measures to strengthen child welfare services, including prioritizing intra-district and intra-state adoption, creating contractual posts for child and women helplines, and allocating funds for CDPO (child development project officer) quarters and working women’s hostels.
MLA and Advisor (Home and Education) Mutchu Mithi lauded the achievements of women across various sectors and emphasized their crucial role in shaping society. He also called for open discussions on polygamy, terming it a practice that undermines women’s self-respect.
Meanwhile, MLA Puinnyo Apum spoke on various government schemes for women’s welfare and encouraged women to avail the benefits of these schemes.
The event also featured addresses from WCD Joint Secretary Sangeeta Yirang, Lower Dibang Valley Deputy Commissioner Soumya Saurabh, and State Nodal Officer (Mission Shakti) Bahe Koyu.
Additionally, Child Welfare Committee (CWC) member Rema Mito and Nani Maria Society chairperson Desai Linggi shared a success story of CCI Roing, showcasing the impact of child care initiatives.
The event concluded with a BBBP pledge, a cake-cutting ceremony, and the distribution of gifts to newborn girls and CCI children. Among the attendees were Superintendent of Police Ringu Ngupok, other officials, Anganwadi workers, and students.
(UNI)
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