Beti Panchayat: 2.25 lakh people sensitised on gender bias

In its unique initiative to save the girl child and to improve gender ratio in the state, health department organised ‘Beti Panchayat’ in 2,487 gram panchayats in the second phase of Daughters Are Precious-3 (DAP-3) campaign. 

More than 2.25 lakh people were sensitised about the issue of gender bias and discrimination and they were given the knowledge of the harmful effect if female foeticide.

“The motive is to spread among communities at Panchayat level the message that daughters are precious, and impart knowledge about PCPNDT Act in order to curb illegal sex determination so that gender ratio in the state could be improved,” Naveen Jain, state appropriate authority of PCPNDT cell and mission director, National Health Mission said.

Health department is organising this campaign in association with other government departments including Panchayati Raj, Woman and Child Development and other social organisations. In the first phase of Beti Panchayat on September 7, more than 2 lakh people were sensitised in 2,350 gram panchayats.

“Under the DAP campaign we have prepared thousands of ‘DAP Rakshaks’ across the state. Now with the engagement of these volunteers, health department is spreading awareness about gender ratio in the state, Rajshri Scheme, Mukhbir Scheme, PCPNDT Act and Decoy operations.

It is worth mentioning that as per the directions from the central government and on the recommendation of NITI Ayog, the month of September is being celebrated as ‘POSHAN month’. “During the Beti Panchayat, we are focusing on nutrition related issues in pregnant woman, adolescent girls and children,” OP Thakan, Director, Reproductive and Child Health said.