Punjab to launch awarness drive against female foeticide

Ludhiana, Dec 10 (UNI) A comprehensive drive involving NGOs and education institutes would be launched in the state to educate the masses about the serious repercussions of the increasing instances female foeticide in the society.

This was announced by Punjab Social Security Minister Swarna Ram while addressing a seminar on 'damaging affects of the menace female foeticide' organised by Punjab Social Security and Women and Child welfare Department here today. Mr Ram said under the awareness drive seminars and meetings would be organised in all parts of the state.

Expressing his serious concern over the misuse of the latest machines invented for the diagnostic and treatment of different ailment of the patients, the Minister warned that if this trend was not checked immediately it could cause a serious imbalance in the society.

He said that it was most unfortunate that Punjab, which was being considered most prosperous and developed state in the country, was ahead in the criminal acts of murdering the girl child before birth and sex ratio in the state i.e 874 female against 1000 males is the lowest in the country. He said that the situation in the sex ratio in respect to the age group of 0 to 6 yrs of children was even worst in the state, which had fallen to only 793 female per 1000 males.

He said that it was not possible for the governmenmt alone to check this menace, but the active and dedicated involvement of the people could play a vital role in the eradication of this heinous crime.

The religious heads of all the sections would also be requested to use their influence to persuade the people against drive to fight out the female foeticide from the society, he said.

The Minister said that it was unfortunate to note that in executing the female foeticide women in one role or the other were involved in this crime. He appealed them to bravely appose any such move by the family, which would really be a great service to the society.

He also stressed upon the need to change the mind set of the people favoring male child for various counts and to educate them about the important role of the women in carving out a humongous society.

UNI