Status of Social Protection of Girl Child in Jharkhand: A Study

Aims & Objectives: The study aimed at assessing the status of the existing social protection measures for girl child amidst the backdrop of the levels and pattern of their deprivation in the state of Jharkhand.

Methodology: An assessment of the schemes operational in the state of Jharkhand was undertaken including schemes which specifically targeted girl children alone as well as others having a component for girl children. The schemes focusing on girls of age 0-18 years were considered and were thematically categorized under education, health and nutrition and welfare.

The data on physical and financial progress of the ongoing schemes was collected from the respective departments of the state government. In addition to the secondary data, primary survey was also conducted to obtain qualitative information through focus group discussions (FGDs) in six districts of Jharkhand (Latehar, Simdega, Gumla, Dumka, Paschimi Singhbhum and Palamu) to assess the issues in implementation and challenges in accessing these schemes.

Findings: The study revealed an acute regional disparity among the districts in the implementation of the schemes. Disparity exists in the proportion of girl child beneficiaries as well as expenditure per child among the districts in Jharkhand.

Lack of awareness about the schemes and the arduous procedure of applying along with the elaborate requirement for documents were major limitations that were reported by the stakeholders which limit the accessibility of the schemes. The lower rates of literacy among the parents of the girls pose further obstacles in accessing the schemes.

Recommendation: Special drives for awareness generation about the schemes for girl child and dissemination of procedural information regarding such schemes, especially among the illiterates, was recommended to be taken up by the state departments and social organizations for wider reach and effective implementation of the schemes.