Panaji (Goa) The first-ever gender vulnerability index (GVI) released by the Union Ministry for Women and Child Development has ranked Goa as the most safest State for women in India.

The report was prepared by Plan India and released by the Ministry. Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar has thanked the Ministry on behalf of people of Goa.

The index puts Goa on top with a GVI of 0.656, more than the national average of 0.5314, while the national capital Delhi is at the bottom.

Goa also ranks first in protection, fifth in education, sixth in health and survival, and eighth in poverty.

 “Goa’s ranking as the number one state on gender vulnerability index and protection, is a testimony to the State’s efforts in making it safe for women,” Chief Minister has said in a letter to Union Minister Maneka Gandhi.  

“It also reflects the high gender sensitivity of the people of Goa,” Parrikar said commenting that the report is encouraging.

Chief Minister has assured Ministry that government will strive further for attaining unmatched standards on issues of gender safety and women welfare.