UP to launch 'Beti Bachao' programme

Lucknow, July 17 (UNI) Worried over the constant fall in sex ratio in Uttar Pradesh, the state government has decided to launch a 'Beti Bachao Abhiyan' from Wednesday.

State Welfare Board would launch the programme with an awareness rally here on July 19. ''The rally would help spread awareness about the girl child...Several NGOs, intellectuals and doctors would attend the rally,'' Board chairperson Anjana Prakash said.

She claimed the constant fall in male-female ratio in UP, especially the western parts indicated that while some women died during pregnancy, the abortion racket was being run without check.

''Women doctors have also agreed to pitch in. They would help us spread awareness againt foeticide. Professionals attached with legal services will inform people about the punishment and penalities involved in illegal termination of pregnancy.'' The Board chairperson, however, admitted that religious representatives have not been involved in the proposed rally as ''the issue of girl child is involved with cultural-social beliefs.

A consensus is required before they are involved.'' UNI NAB VS YA ND1804