SHIMLA : Waking up from its overt pre-occupation with the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, the health and social welfare departments in Himachal Pradesh have turned their attention towards addressing other health issues and implementing various welfare schemes in the state.
In a a vrtual meeting with Deputy Commissioners (DCs) and District Programme Officers (DPOs), M. Sudha Devi, Secretary (SJ&E) & Health, issued stringent directives regarding the execution of Department of Women and Child Welfare (WCD) schemes.
Among the schemes emphasized during the meeting were Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Mukhya Mantri Sukh Aashray Yojna, One Stop Centre, and Anganwadi Services, all aimed at promoting the welfare of women and children.
Sudha Devi particularly highlighted the need to address the declining Sex Ratio at Birth (SRB) and Child Sex Ratio (CSR) in accordance with government norms. She stressed the importance of proper monitoring, active campaigning, and maximizing the utilization of allocated funds as per the guidelines of Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Yojna.
The Secretary also called for close monitoring of Mukhya Mantri Sukh Aashray Yojna and personal involvement in implementing all components related to beneficiaries, especially focusing on orphans, who have been adopted as "Children of the State." The government aims to provide them with the best education, accommodation, and other essential facilities.
In order to assist women in distress, Sudha Devi directed the participants to raise awareness about 'One Stop Centers' and their locations in each district, providing temporary shelter and access to legal, mental, and psychological counseling.
Similarly, she emphasized the importance of creating awareness about Empowerment Hubs for Women at both the state and district levels. These hubs aim to provide advice and counsel to women on welfare measures under state and union government schemes.
The meeting was attended by Rupali Thakur, Director Women and Child Development, and Sh. Mohan Dutt, Additional Director WCD. As the state authorities gear up to tackle various health and welfare challenges, the focus remains on implementing these crucial initiatives to improve the well-being of women and children across Himachal Pradesh.
