SHIMLA: Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh today expressed concern over the declining female sex ratio in the state, especially in areas adjoining Punjab and said that it was an indication that people were resorting to sex selective abortions and misuse of pre-natal diagnostic techniques.
Addressing a public meeting at Dadasiba in Jaswan Pragpur Constituency here, the Chief Minister warned that the grants of those panchayats where female sex ratio was declining, would be stopped and no financial aid would be given for development.
"Action would be taken against those who were found indulging in illegal practice of aborting the girl child," he said.
Singh said that it was wrong to differentiate between boy and girl in the present era where women were excelling in every field and held in high esteem.
"We should spread the message of protecting the girl child for ensuring a balanced society as I am keenly watching the trend of declining female sex ratio," he said, adding that he was well aware that some people were going outside the state to abort the girl child, which was inexcusable.
Speaking about the setting up of Central University Campus in Kangra, he alleged that it was the BJP which was creating hurdles and spreading rumours about its establishment.
"No doubt the Central University will have its main Campus at Dharamsala but surely the people of Dehra won't be bereft of its benefits or advantages," he said.
He said that the Central University would be established at Dharamsala and its affiliated colleges would be opened at Dehra.
The Chief Minister said that many schools were opened in the state and now the need was to open primary schools and that too in those areas where the topography demands so or where there was a necessity and not otherwise.
He announced a Police Post for Dadasiba and the introduction of three more trades in ITI from the next academic session.
Besides, he said that a Government College would be opened at Dadasiba and granted a Sub-Tehsil status.