NFHS-6 Data Sparks Controversy Over Gujarat Women Empowerment Claims

The state unit of the Congress party has challenged the Gujarat government’s claims regarding women’s empowerment, citing newly released data from the National Family Health Survey. Opposition leaders argue the metrics reveal deep systematic gender disparities across asset ownership, digital literacy, and educational attainment.

Gandhinagar: The National Family Health Survey (NFHS-6) data has exposed Gujarat govt’s claim of women’s empowerment, the state unit of the Congress party said on Wednesday.

Party spokesperson Hiren Banker said that only 16% of women in Gujarat own a house or land, showing that women still have not received equal rights. “Even in this digital age, women in rural areas remain deprived of technology with only 46.2% of rural women having a mobile phone,” Banker said, adding that nearly 25% of women in the state have never attended school, and only 38.6% have completed 10 or more years of education.

“The report brought to light serious shortcomings in the condition of women across the state. If nearly one-fourth of women in the state have never attended school, can this truly be called ‘women’s empowerment’?” he questioned.

Future Outlook

The release of the NFHS-6 metrics is expected to intensify political debates surrounding gender-focused policy implementation in Gujarat. Moving forward, policymakers face mounting pressure to address structural gaps in female literacy and property rights. Observers anticipate that bridging the rural digital divide and increasing secondary school enrollment will become primary targets for upcoming state development initiatives.

FAQs

What does the NFHS-6 data reveal about property ownership among women in Gujarat?

The survey indicates that a mere 16% of women in the state own a house or land, highlighting ongoing disparities in property and asset distribution rights.

What percentage of rural women in Gujarat have access to mobile phones?

According to the latest data, only 46.2% of women living in rural areas of the state possess a mobile phone, reflecting a persistent digital divide.

What are the educational statistics for women in Gujarat according to the report?

The report reveals that nearly 25% of women in the state have never received formal schooling, while only 38.6% have completed 10 or more years of education.

Who challenged the Gujarat government’s claims on women’s empowerment?

Hiren Banker, the spokesperson for the state unit of the Congress party, utilized the official survey statistics to question the government’s track record on gender equality.