Discrimination against girl child sign of sick mindset: Omar Abdullah

Underscoring the need for active involvement of civil society in stopping the evil of female foeticide in the state, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday said the state has earned a "bad name" due to the high number of cases reported.

"There is a need for active involvement of civil society in stopping the evil of female foeticide in the state, and contributing in the successful implementation of Save Girl Child Programme," Omar said while addressing a gathering on 'World Health Day' function here today.

Abdullah said the state has earned a bad name due to the high number of female foeticide cases reported, which should be of great concern to every member of the society.

"To discriminate girl child against boys and considering male children important than girls is a sick mindset which requires early addressing," he said, adding, it is the worst kind of 'sin' for which there is no forgiveness from the Almighty.

The government has geared up its machinery in Health and other concerned departments to create public awareness about dangerous effects of female foeticide, he said.

The revival of ASHA scheme by government is proving highly beneficial in facilitating health facilities to pregnant women and children in rural areas, he said.

The National Urban Health Mission is being launched in the state on the pattern of National Rural Health Mission to cover the population in the towns and the cities of the state, he said.