BJP and Women Power

Last couple of months one has seen the media and activists focus on the 'supposed' treatment of women in BJP ruled states specially Karnataka. While the attacks on the women are condemnable, the brush used to paint BJP as anti-women or anti-freedom is equally condemnable. To see the reason, one has to just see examples of 2 schemes run in BJP ruled states - Gujarat and MP. Maybe because this scheme aimed at the vast majority of those women who have got no voice in media, on internet or in streets. Or maybe because the women organisations don't think these women are a part of India.

Ladli Laxmi Yojana in MP is one of it's kind in the country. This scheme not only prevents female foeticide but it also ensures that the girl child does have some financial independence as she grows. As per the scheme, for evey girl child born, the government invests in saving certificates for 1st five year. Then as the child grows and studies, she gets an amount regularly. When she reaches the 12th standard, the girl child gets more than a lakh. The scheme has reduced the rate of school and college dropout amongst girls.

Another similar scheme has been the Beti Bachao Andolan in Gujarat. For long, Gujarat had one of the worst male to female ratio in the country. Under this, the state government not only took strict steps to prevent female foeticide, it also ensured that the girl child born in the family is treated as a relief rather than a burden. And the statistics say it all, the gender ratio has seen a healthy change. Plus Unicef has applauded this scheme.

And it is really heatening to hear that the same schemes would be brought to the centre if NDA comes to power.