Haryana Chief Minister Appoints Women Sarpanches as Brand Ambassadors for Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Campaign

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini announced that all women sarpanches in the state will become brand ambassadors for their villages under the Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao campaign. This initiative, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, aims to involve women leaders actively in the campaign. The state government's efforts to improve the sex ratio have received national recognition.

Saini highlighted that 10,000 Anganwadi Centres will be transformed into Saksham Anganwadi Centres over five years. A grant of Rs 563 lakh from the Indian government has been allocated for upgrading 563 centres. Additionally, a proposal for upgrading 2,307 more centres has been submitted.

Focus on Legal Enforcement and Awareness

The Chief Minister stressed the importance of enforcing the Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PNDT) Act, 1994. He directed the organisation of Nukkad Nataks and other village programmes to promote awareness about saving the girl child. These events should involve all village women and be led by the eldest female community member.

To combat female foeticide, Haryana has implemented strict measures to enforce the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act. From 2015 to 2024, 1,220 FIRs were filed under this Act. Additionally, inter-state raids resulted in 386 FIRs and 4,000 arrests targeting illegal practices by medical professionals and others.

Community Engagement and Strategy Development

Saini expressed concern over handheld machines used for sex determination. He instructed officials to devise a strategy to track those involved in this illegal activity and take strict action against them. The focus is on curbing these practices through effective monitoring and enforcement.

The Chief Minister presided over a review meeting of the women and child development department. An official statement highlighted these initiatives as part of ongoing efforts to improve gender equality in Haryana.

By appointing women sarpanches as brand ambassadors, Haryana aims to strengthen community involvement in promoting gender equality. This approach not only empowers women leaders but also fosters a supportive environment for implementing the Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao campaign effectively across villages.