Himachal Not Fair To Females

Y.S. Rana

The writer is a Hamirpur based Himachali settled in Chandigarh

Teachers form the third largest workforce among white-collared employees. While gender inequalities prevail in many states, a point to reflect is that Himachal Pradesh too is seemingly fair to fairer sex in one matter if the data of female teachers in government schools is any indication. Females constitutes about 50% of state’s total population but the government schools have only 35.59% female teachers against the national average of 47.16%. It is revealed in a nationwide database Unified district information education system (U-DISE) 2014-15 on elementary education.

Chandigarh tops the list with 82% female teachers in Chandigarh government schools. The city is fair to fairer sex both at the primary and upper levels in education across the country. However it has lowest number of government schools in rural area (18) in the country. Tripura stands at the bottom of the list with 28.98% female teachers. The study also states that Haryana and Punjab, which have skewed sex ratio in the country have better percentage of female teachers in government schools with 72.46% and 52.18% respectively. Rajasthan has only 32.56% female teachers in government schools which explains why it has highest drop out rate of girls. Himachal Pradesh has less than two per cent drop-out rate.

At primary level, the state has the lowest average enrolment of 44. Notably, Haryana and Punjab which are among the lowest sex ratio in the country have better percentage of female teachers in government schools with 52.18% and 72.46% respectively. Official of the education department said that females started outnumbering their counterparts when government launched ‘Operation Blackboard’ reserving 50% jobs in schools for females. Himachal Pradesh is the only state in the country which spends Rs. 1.03 per capita on education which is almost twice the national average, he said and added that state has 100% trained teachers.

While talking to Himachal This Week, a retired Principal Gian Chand said that considering the social factors, education is the most acceptable profession for girls. Female teachers have a more positive and professional attitude than their male counterparts, he added. Himachal has also fared well in proper implementation of mid-day meal scheme. Across the country, Himachal has the highest percentage (99.59%) of schools providing mid-day meal.

Low Average Enrolment At Primary Level

It is also revealed that the state has the lowest average enrolment (44) at primary level compared to Chandigarh 502. In case of districts, Lahaul and Spiti has the lowest average enrolment of 11 at primary level. The district has also the lowest children with special needs (CWSN) enrolment of 16 across the country. While it comes to block level, Keylong-II has the lowest average of enrolment of five at primary level. The state has less than two per cent drop-out rate in the country.  Punjab, neighbouring state has recorded the lowest girl enrolment both at upper primary level of 44.2% and at primary level of 45.3%.

Figures Speak

* Himachal Pradesh has only 35.59% female teachers in government schools against national average of 47.16%

* Chandigarh tops the list with  82% female teachers in Chandigarh government schools

* Haryana and Punjab have 72.46% and 52.18% female teachers, respectively, in government schools

* Rajasthan has only 32.56% female teachers in government schools

* Tripura stands at the bottom of the list with 28.98% female teachers

* Himachal has the highest percentage (99.59%) of schools providing mid-day meal.

Himachal-o-Meter

The state’s ups and downs this week

Textile Park Fails To Attract Investors

Una: The Textile Park and Food Park established in Una district by Industries Department has failed to meet its aim. These parks were developed with an aim to attract textile and food processing units to the state. However, both the parks have failed to attract the industry until now. Whereas the Textile Park has managed to attract just one unit, the Food Park is yet attract investors. Sources said that complex land laws were one of the major bottlenecks in development of these parks. Those wanting to develop units have to seek permission under Section 118 of the Land Tenancy Act of Himachal twice. The department has also written to the state government that it should waive permission that has to be taken second time under Section 118. Industries Minister Mukesh Agnihotri said dual permission under Section 118 of the Land Tenancy Act was a bottleneck for investors. He said the matter will be placed before the Cabinet.

Western Tragopan Saved From Extinction

Shimla: Himachal Pradesh adopted Western Tragopan, a brilliantly-coloured Asian pheasant species, as its state bird in its endeavour to save it from extinction. The hill state is engaged in breeding its state bird in captivity. The world’s only breeding centre in Sarahan town has 26 breeding birds. Five chicks were born in 2016. “Currently, we have 12 female and 14 male Western tragopans,” breeding centre biologist Lakshmi Narasimha said. The pheasantry is jointly funded by the Central Zoo Authority and the wildlife wing of the state Forest Department. The western tragopan is listed in the Red Data Book of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), a compendium of species facing extinction. It is the least-studied bird in the world owing to the tough topography of its habitat and being a shy bird. In the past five years, 23 chicks have been born in the pheasantry and five natural deaths of the newly-born were reported during this period. Wildlife experts attribute their downfall to habitat degradation, hunting and extensive grazing of the forest by livestock. The Daranghati Wildlife Sanctuary, located in the proximity to the Sarahan breeding centre, and the Great Himalayan National Park in Kullu district, are the potential western tragopan habitats.

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