Heartening for Haryana

Haryana has got something to cheer about. For the first time, the state has more women students pursuing higher education than men, going by the All-India Survey on Higher Education. AISHE is an annual report published by the HRD Ministry to understand the developments in higher education and indicates the closing gender gap in this field. Though a developed state, the social parameters in Haryana did not match its economic development with factors like female foeticide, crime against women and the dominance of khap panchayats indicating a position of subjugation for women. The state also courted notoriety because of the alleged involvement of leading personalities in cases involving the death of Shivani Bhatnagar, Jessica Lal, Geetika Sharma and Ruchika Girhotra. One of its former CMs was sentenced to jail on the charge of irregularities in the recruitment of teachers. Amid all this, the achievements of its sportspersons like Saina Nehwal, Phogat sisters and Sakshi Malik made the state proud.

 But these were fleeting moments. The AISHE report is an indication that the political leadership of the state is willing to confront social issues exemplified perhaps in the slogan ‘Beti Padhao, Beti Bachao’. Education for girls is important. It empowers them, gives them control over their life and helps in improving its quality. Educated womenfolk mean a better understanding of what is good for them by raising their age of marriage and in checking the population boom. It has a bearing on their health, hygiene and sanitation. Awareness can also help in reducing crime against women. The sex ratio, which at one time was a cause of concern manifested in slogans like ‘Bahu Lao, Vote Pao’, has shown signs of improvement. 

The state should ensure that improvements take place not only in districts bordering the National Capital, but also elsewhere. With the state elections approaching, it may also give the BJP an opportunity to talk about its achievements on social indices.