Himachal Pradesh has been rated as the best performing state in the country in implementing Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY).Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Dr. Rajiv Saizal informed here today that under the scheme, Rs. 1747.67 lakhs were deposited in the accounts of 51,234 registered beneficiaries of the state till August 31, 2018. In all, 57,109 beneficiaries were registered under the scheme. He said that it was a matter of pride for a small and hilly state like Himachal Pradesh to get this Award.He said that under the leadership of Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur, the present state government was committed for women empowerment.The Union Ministry of Women and Child Welfare celebrated the Matru Vandana week from 1-7 September, 2018 to mark the 1st anniversary of the PMMVY. Concluding ceremony was organised in Dehradun in which Himachal Pradesh was evaluated as the best performing state under this scheme. Bilaspur district was also awarded for best performing district in the Northern region.The Award was received by Director of Women and Child Welfare Department Hansraj Sharma and Deputy Director-cum-State Nodal Officer, PMMVY Dr. Omkar Singh Thakur.