Himachal CM Sukhu gives credit to former PM Rajiv Gandhi for reservation to women in panchayat bodies

Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], October 5 (ANI): Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Thursday said that a provision of 33 per cent reservation for women in Panchayati Raj institutions (PRI) was made under the guidance of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.
CM Sukhu was speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the two-day capacity-building workshop on the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PC and PNDT) Act 1994 here in Himachal Pradesh's Shimla.

"These historic amendments played an important role in bringing a sea-change in the mindset of the society towards girl child and empowering women to participate in decision making. A provision of 33 per cent reservation for women in Panchayati Raj institutions was made under his guidance and as a result of this historical amendment, women today represent 56 per cent of the total seats in the Panchayati Raj Institutions of the state", he said while addressing the inaugural event.
"As per Sample Registration System (SRS) data 2018-20, the sex ratio in Himachal Pradesh was 950 per thousand males, the third best across all states in the country, which was quite appreciable", he added.
He also appreciated the measures being adopted for the prevention of female feticide in the state.
The Chief Minister announced to enhance the incentive amount to the family which adopts family planning after having one daughter to Rs 2 lakh under the Indira Gandhi Balika Suraksha Yojna from existing Rs 35,000.
Similarly, the incentive amount for family planning after two daughters will be increased from existing Rs. 25 thousand to Rs 1 lakh, the CM announced.
Chief Minister Sukhu also launched the 'online registration system' for registering Sonography machines under the PC and PNDT Act.
The applicants can register from anywhere at their convenience. This will also help to track the real-time status of each application besides providing the facility of a secure and effective database.
Meanwhile, CM Sukhu said, "Today girls were participating enthusiastically in every field and bringing laurels to the Nation and the State as well. They are emerging leaders in every field and marching forward with confidence".
"The state government is focusing on large-scale reforms and modern technologies are being incorporated in the health sector to provide quality healthcare to the people of the state", he added.
CM Sukhu also mentioned that that block-level institutions are being strengthened as six specialist doctors each have been posted in the 36 assembly constituencies and soon specialist doctors will also be appointed in 32 left-out institutions.
"The health institutions are equipped with modern and latest equipment and the government will not allow any paucity of funds to provide quality health services to its people", he said.
The Chief Minister also honoured the Bharmour block of Chamba district, Nankhadi block of Shimla district and Janjheli block of Mandi district for educating the society and assisting in curbing the instances of female feticide.

MLA Inder Dutt Lakhanpal, Secretary Health, M. Sudha Devi, Special Secretary Health, Neeraj Kumar Chief Medical Officers and Block Medical Officers from various districts were also present on the occasion. (ANI)