Himachal government to launch women's helpline soon: CM

Himachal Pradesh government will soon launch a women's helpline for ensuring safety of women, Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh said today.
Addressing the state level function to celebrate the International Women day, Singh said violence against women was an affront to the foundations of human rights, human decency and human dignity while adding the State government was committed to put an end to it.
Chief Minister said 20 per cent posts of constables and sub inspectors had been mandated for women in police force and at present there were five women police stations, besides four anti-trafficking units comprising women police force at Shimla, Mandi, Sirmaur and Kangra.

He said women were the pillars of the society and they need the skills and confidence to influence the decisions that directly affect their lives through direct participation in government and the security sector.
The Chief Minister said that 'Muskaan', an initiative of the State government was started to improve the sex ratio and the scheme had created wonders.
He said that the state government's 'Beti-Bachao, Beti-Padao' scheme was being successfully implemented to keep a check on female feticides.

The State government was strictly implementing the Pre-Natal Diagnostic Act (PNDT), and anyone found involved in pre-diagnosing practice, would be severely dealt with as per provision of the law, he said.

Singh said women were equal to their male counterparts in all spheres and to further strengthen them the State government had implemented various schemes including 'Mukhya Mantri Kanyadaan Yojna' in which the financial assistance had been enhanced to Rs 40,000 for marriage of poor girl child.
He said 50 per cent reservation was being given to women in Panchayati Raj and Urban Local Bodies besides many other innovative schemes had been introduced for the benefit and empowerment of women.
The Chief Minister also honoured the women on the occasion who have excelled in various fields.
An animation film 'Muskan', which is an initiative of Mansi Sahai Thakur, Director, Social Justice and Empowerment department was also screened on the occasion.