700 cases of female atrocities, 345 rapes reported across Himachal Pradesh, reveals government :

1. As many as 700 cases pertaining to female atrocities and 345 rape cases have been registered across Himachal Pradesh in 2018. Reportedly, the spine-chilling data was tabled in the house during the winter session of the legislative assembly in the district. 

2. The question was put forward by the leader of opposition  Mukesh Agnihotri concerning a case that happened last month in Mandi district, where a 71-year-old woman was branded as a witch and paraded in the area. The incumbent government in its reply stated that 24 people were arrested in connection with the case and claimed that various other steps have been taken to ensure women security in the state.

3. Further adding that the Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur has also initiated a Gudiya helpline in January 2018 while in November this year 112 emergency helpline number has also been started. In order to ensure prompt registration of the cases in crimes against women, every district has been allotted with female police station except Lahul- Spiti and Kinnaur, the government added in its reply. 

4. Reportedly, the reply further quoted that in 2018 there were 700 cases of female atrocities and 345 cases of rapes were registered. ?

Women Empowerment in Himachal :

Himachal Pradesh government has been honoured at the national level for its excellent steps and programmes undertaken for the empowerment of women In Himachal. Women in Himachal are employed in vocational jobs; education of females in rural areas has taken an edge in Himachal Pradesh. Earlier the women who used to be busy with household work are now working in anganwadis, handlooms, learning sewing, weaving etc. The Himachal government is giving a serious concern towards the upliftment of the women in the society like education, funds to widows and poor women, strict punishments against female infanticide etc. The result of all these initiatives by Himachal government towards growth of women in society has made Himachal to top the list among all the other states in terms of empowerment of women. A survey done by India’s renowned magazine and electronic channel revealed that Himachal excels in working for women empowerment and has been awarded as the ‘Diamond State’ award. Himachal Pradesh has come out to be the first state in the nation in which 50 % reservation is given to the women in Panchayati Raj institutions and other urban jobs. Moreover, all the Panchayat in Himachal Pradesh having large female population are provided with extra fund of Rs. 5 lacs for the progress and empowerment of women.