MP CM concerned over declining sex ratio

Mandla, MP, June 24 (UNI) Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan today claimed that over 1.50 crore women benefited under various schemes being implemented by the state government this year but expressed concern over the declining gender ratio.

''Funds have been sanctioned for raising a Rani Durgavati Battalion and a recruitment drive will be launched shortly,'' he said here while addressing a women's empowerment convention to mark the martyrdom anniversary of Gondwana's Rani Durgavati, as per an official release.

Among those present were BJP state President Narendra Singh Tomar, MPs Sumitra Mahajan, Faggan Singh Kulaste, Neeta Pateria and Minister of State for Fisheries Moti Kashyap, who holds charge of this district.

''The Battalion is being raised to check atrocities on women and inquiry in such cases will be by lady officials. One thousand posts, including constables and sub-inspectors, were sanctioned. Women help desks will be provided in 141 police stations of urban areas. A lady sub-inspector, two women head constables and four women constables will be posted in each police station,'' said Mr Chouhan, as per the release.

UNI