Women in Madhya Pradesh have got empowered economically, socially and politically following the implementation of 14 announcements made by Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan at the first mahila panchayat.
The ladli laxmi Yojana was announced by the Chief Minister at the mahila panchayat held in 2006. This scheme not only made Madhya Pradesh popular in the country, but 7 other States have also replicated it. The scheme brought about change in the mindset about girls in the State. This was informed by Women and Child Development Minister Maya Singh on Wednesday.
Maya Singh informed that all the announcements made by the Chief Minister at the first mahila panchayat have been implemented and there have been encouraging results. ladli laxmi Yojana was also announced in this panchayat. So far, 20 lakh girls have benefited from the scheme. The scheme has ensured an ideal atmosphere for girl's birth, education up to marriage. Names of women below poverty line have been included in the list on priority. Announcement was made to bring about transparency in the distribution of nutritious diet at anganwadis. Consequently, the entire arrangements for nutritious diet have not only been made transparent, but its accountability has also been fixed.
For political empowerment of women, the Chief Minister had announced 50 percent reservation for them in panchayats and urban bodies. Following the implementation of this announcement, one lakh 63 thousand 740 women have been elected in local bodies and 2,870 panchayats. They are making active contribution in improvement of their respective cities and villages.
The Chief Minister had announced separate presentation of budget for women in every department. Today, gender budgeting has been implemented in 25 departments. Madhya Pradesh is the first State in the country, where gender budget is tabled in the Assembly separately.
Reward was announced for tip-off about cases of female foeticide. Rs 50 thousand reward was announced for first information and Rs. 50 thousand after prosecution of accused. This helped to curb female foeticide considerably in the State.
The Chief Minister had also made important announcements in the first mahila panchayat to ensure women's security and prompt action in cases of crime against them. Consequently, 30 percent reservation has been given to women in police and women's help desks have been set up in 141 police stations.
For enabling women to complain of crimes against them fearlessly, State level Women's Helpline 1090 was introduced from January 1, 2013. The helpline follows up complaint within 24 hours. A circular has been issued to all concerned units to implement the Victim Support System to give protection of witnesses of crimes against women.