Himachal govt rolls out Muskan Yojana

SHIMLA: Grappling to overcome the declining sex ratio in the state, the government on Thursday launched Muskaan Yojana — an initiative of the social justice and empowerment department — to save the girl child.

Muskan Yojana aims at changing people’s mindset regarding the social menace of female foeticide, which has resulted in a sex ratio imbalance.

Chief minister Virbhadra Singh launched the scheme for Chamba, Kinnaur, Kullu, Lahaul and Spiti, Shimla, Sirmaur and Solan district.

Virbhadra also honoured mothers of new-born girl children and presented them with gifts.

“It is very important to improve the sex ratio and create awareness in the society regarding,” the CM said. “Anganwari workers will have to ensure that pregnancies are also registered at health sub-centre of the village,” said Mansi Sahai, director, social justice and empowerment.

Gram panchayats with a low sex ratio will be identified and included in the list of red alert panchayats.

In addition to this, ‘GuddaGuddi’ boards containing information about newborn girl children in the district will be displayed, Sahai said. She also said that multiple agencies will be involved for sensitising people. Additionally, mothers of new-born girl children will be honoured by the CM.