Taking a cue from neighboring states of Punjab and Haryana, the Chandigarh Administration on Monday announced to reward informers who alert UT officials about illegal sex determination tests and help in cracking down on illegal centres.
The Administration has announced a reward of Rs one lakh to informers, in a bid to keep a check on those involved in sex selective abortions.
“To keep up the efficiency of Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao scheme for deliverance of its prime objective, the Administration has decided to give informers a reward of Rs one lakh. The identity of the informer will be kept secret,” said Mandip Singh Brar, UT Deputy Commissioner while talking to the mediapersons here on Monday.
He said that there have been instances of people going for sex determination tests in neighboring states. Any information regarding sex determination tests can be given to Direction Health Services or our nodal officer. After verifying the information, we will give Rs one lakh reward to the informer, Brar added.
Notably, Chandigarh had recorded the lowest sex ratio among rural areas in the country in census 2011. The National Health Profile-2019, the annual health data publication of the Ministry of Health released last year had stated that Chandigarh has the worst rural sex ratio of 618 females per 1000 males (2011 census) in the country.
Apart from this, Chandigarh also has the second lowest sex ratio nationally after Daman and Diu, which has 618 females per 1,000 males, the worst in the country. As against the national average of 943, Chandigarh had sex ratio of 818, the NHP-2019 stated.
On the implementation of BBBP in the city, Brar said that the sex ratio has improved in Chandigarh. The sex ratio was 818 as per census 2011. As per the Civil Registration System, the sex ratio was recorded at 945 in Chandigarh, he said.
According to the Civil Registration System report (2007-2016), Chandigarh’s sex ratio at birth (SRB) was 901 in 2016, 898 in 2015, 870 in 2014, 904 in 2013, 887 in 2012, 835 in 2011, 878 in 2010, 867 in 2009, 872 in 2008 and 860 in 2007.
To keep a check on female foeticide, the Administration had made it mandatory for ultrasound centres to take photocopies of identity cards and address proof of couples going in for ultrasound test for any reason, including determining the general health of the foetus.
The Deputy Commissioner further said that the Chandigarh Administration will organize a series of activities this week to give a boost to BBBP campaign in the city.
The activities will be organized in coordination with various UT Departments. Police Department will launch a campaign against eve-teasing, 450 anganwadi workers will hold a door to door campaign for gender sensitization, signature campaign on BBBP will be held at Sector 17 plaza, talk shows and rallies on gender sensitization across the city and BBBP pledge will be taken in schools and colleges, Brar said.
Apart from this, a programme will be held at Tagore Theatre here to conclude the week long programmes under BBBP campaign, he added.
