Aiming at improving the sex ratio of Kaithal, the district administration has launched a unique initiative, namely “Pyari Beti” to encourage the birth of baby girls.
Deputy Commissioner Aparajita on Tuesday started this initiative while holding a meeting with sarpanches from the 10 villages with the best sex ratio and 10 villages with the low sex ratio.
Under the initiative, every gram panchayat in the district will select two daughters as role models based on their outstanding achievements in any field. “These girls will be encouraged to inspire other young girls in rural areas,” said the DC.
She said that girls are capable of achieving excellence in every field and that society must work collectively to eliminate female foeticide. She pointed out that both she and the Civil Surgeon of Kaithal are women, which clearly reflects that girls can successfully lead and excel in responsible positions.
The DC further informed that a special district-level team comprising the selected girls will be formed and will work under her direct mentorship and guidance.
The initiative aims not only to honour talented girls but also to create local role models who can motivate society to break gender stereotypes. She also announced that talented girls would be honoured during village “night camp” programmes.
During the meeting, DC Aparajita expressed concern over the district’s current sex ratio, which stands at 890 for the first four months of the year. She stressed the need for collective efforts to improve the situation.
She called upon Khap Panchayats and village communities to actively support the campaign against female foeticide and help spread awareness at the grassroots level.
“Strict action would be taken against those involved in female foeticide,” she said and directed the officials to closely monitor the performance of ASHA workers.
“The ASHA workers showing good performance would be rewarded, while action would be taken in areas with poor sex ratio performance,” she added.
The DC also appreciated the efforts of panchayats where the sex ratio has crossed the 1,000 mark and welcomed suggestions from the sarpanches to further strengthen awareness and community participation.
