A Gender Vulnerability Index compiled by Plan India and released by the Ministry of Women and Child Development has ranked Goa the safest state for women. The study aims to identify the status of Indian women with regard to education, health, poverty and protection.

Among the states where women are believed to be least vulnerable are Kerala, Mizoram, Sikkim and Manipur. Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand and Delhi ranked low on all parameters on the study.

Goa was ranked with an index value of 0.656 and placed first in terms of protection, fifth for education, sixth for health and survival, and eighth for poverty. The results of the study were released at the second national conference on Plan for Every Child – Leave No Girl Behind in New Delhi.

Bihar’s record on the index was dismal. With a GVI score of 0.410, women and girls in the state are believed to be most vulnerable here, less healthy and poorer when compared to those in the 29 other states. The state’s ranking in access to education and protection was also among the lowest.

Delhi’s score in education and health dragged its ranking to among the bottom ranks.

Courtesy: Plan India

The report is available online here.