In a sign of growing woman empowerment, a Health Ministry survey has found more than 40 per cent of women in 15 states and Union Territories reviewed either owned or had a share in joint property.
The first phase of National Family Health Survey (NFHS-4), 2015-16 held in 15 states and UTs has shown progressive indicators of woman empowerment, besides providing information on population, health and nutrition.
"Some new components were added this time to assess the status of women in the country like assets owned by them and domestic violence against pregnant women. The survey indicates a positive trend in uplift of women," a senior ministry official said.
Bihar tops the chart with highest 58.8 per cent having property in their name, followed by Meghalaya and Tripura at 57.3 per cent each, Karnataka 51.8 per cent and Telangana 50.5 per cent.
The survey showed more than 75 per cent of married women participated in household decisions.
As many as 89.9 per cent women in West Bengal have a say in decisions, up from 70.2 per cent as per 2005-6 survey. The figure went up to 89.8 per cent from 71.5 per cent in Uttarakhand, in Tripura it rose to 91.7 from 77.9, Sikkim (95.3% from 93.6%), Meghalaya (91.4 % from 90.4 %), Madhya Pradesh (82.8% from 68.5%), Karnataka (80.4% from 68.6%), Goa (93.8% from 91.1%) and Bihar (75.2% from 69.2%).
The survey also showed improvements in maternal and child health and nutrition.
Data collection for the remaining states and UTs is currently on.
