Situation of Girl Child in Kangra District of Himachal Pradesh

Abstract

The present study focuses on analyzing the situation of girl child in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh with regard to their educational status economic and social aspects household responsibilities marriage health and aspects of puberty. A sample of 253 school going girls of age 12 to 17 years were identified from nine villages from two blocks of Kangra district. Focus group discussions were held with the girls and data was analyzed though percentages. The results revealed a better schooling status with most of the girls placing high value on education. They were interested in taking up skill-oriented training in different areas. They were supposed to behave in an approved manner were restricted to interact with members of opposite sex and were unaware of the various legal rights pertaining to girls and women. A lot of time was spent on household and farm activities. Discrimination in feeding practices was observed as the girls were denied of various kinds of foods. They did not have any choice in mate selection. The girls faced various kinds of health problems during puberty but did not take any remedial measures. (authors)