ROING, Mar 3: The implementation of the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao (BBBP) scheme in the state has contributed to an improvement in the state’s sex ratio, with 14 out of 25 districts recording more than 900 females per 1,000 males in 2023-24, Women and Child Development Minister Dasanglu Pul said on Monday.
Speaking at a Beti Janmotsav event in Roing to mark the 10th anniversary of the scheme, Pul stated that the sex ratio in Arunachal Pradesh stands at 948.68 females per 1,000 males, exceeding the national average of 930. Five districts—Shi Yomi, East Kameng, Kamle, Upper Siang, and Tawang—recorded sex ratios above 1,000 during the same period, she added.
Pul also pointed to a decline in dropout rates among girls at the secondary and higher secondary levels, which fell from 30.89 percent in 2019-20 to 12.5 percent in 2021-22. She noted an improvement in first-trimester antenatal care (ANC) registrations, a key indicator for maternal and child health.
Highlighting the benefits of the BBBP scheme, Pul urged women to avail themselves of government initiatives aimed at empowerment. She also emphasized the need for greater awareness regarding girl child trafficking and called for parental support to ensure the safety and well-being of daughters.
The minister outlined recent government measures concerning child adoption, including prioritizing intra-district and intra-state adoption, creating contractual posts to manage child and women helplines, and allocating funds for Child Development Project Officer (CDPO) quarters and working women's hostels.
Addressing the gathering, MLA and advisor to the Home & Education Minister, Mutchu Mithi, praised the contributions of women across various fields and emphasized their role in shaping society. He also raised concerns over polygamy, calling for discussions on the issue and describing it as a practice that affects women’s dignity.
MLA Puinnyo Apum spoke about government schemes available for women's welfare and encouraged women to take advantage of these initiatives.
Other speakers included Women and Child Development Joint Secretary Sangeeta Yirang, Lower Dibang Valley Deputy Commissioner Soumya Saurabh, and State Nodal Officer (Mission Shakti) Bahe Koyu.
Child Welfare Committee (CWC) member Rema Mito and Nani Maria Society Chairperson Desai Linggi shared a success story of Child Care Institution (CCI) Roing.
Superintendent of Police Ringu Ngupok, other officials, Anganwadi workers, and students were also present at the event, which concluded with a BBBP pledge, a cake-cutting ceremony, and the distribution of gifts to newborn girls and children at CCI Roing.
