CHANDIGARH: Punjab Governor and Administrator, Union Territory, Chandigarh, Gen. (Retd.) S.F. Rodrigues, PVSM VSM, Tuesday launched a thoughtfully structured ‘Action Plan for Gender Sensitization and Removing Girl Child Discrimination’ at an impressive function at UT State Guest House.

Jean Rodrigues, eminent social activists, Municipal Councilors, philanthropists, medical professionals, members of teaching fraternity, Presidents of various NGOs and senior officers of the Administration were present on the occasion. It may be recalled that two major programmes of vital social relevance, including Maternal and Child Health and a Child Protection Programme, have recently been launched in Union Territory, Chandigarh and are being implemented.

In his conscious-stirring address on the occasion, General Rodrigues impressed upon the participants, the need to show care, concern, compassion and deep involvement in this Gender Equality Programme and work collectively for narrowing down the gap, of discrimination between male and female child, by building partnerships in all sections of society. He said that there is a need for a mass movement, for educating public opinion against the unethical practice of female foeticide and activating social pressure groups of concerned people to sensitize violators and unscrupulous parents, with a preference for male children. He referred to the Nawanshahr model, which is a successful experiment of people’s participation in bringing about a great improvement in the sex ratio in a short time. He emphasized that we have to a develop the sense of “us” and shedding the approach of “we” and “they”, in dealing with this issue of vital social importance.

Strongly advocating the need for a detailed analysis and serious introspection, General Rodrigues said that, in our ancient civilization, every religion has professed the concept of Gender Equality and recognized the importance of women in our social system.  He said that inspite of various legal and Administrative measures, there is an adverse gender imbalance and social discrimination against women in every field even, after 60 years of Independence.  This dangerous trend must stop, if we are sincerely committed to this cause, as concerned citizens and good human beings. We cannot make claims of being the inheritors of 5000 years of civilization if we cannot tackle this serious problem and ensure that we treat women with dignity and respect.

Raji P. Srivastava, Special Secretary Finance and the nodal officer of the project while giving presentation & the blue print of this Action Plan said that despite relative prosperity, the tendency to view the girl child as a burden and a liability is assuming critical proportions. She said that the Chandigarh Administration’s concern is not just improving the sex-ratio at birth but also to focus on the 0-6 age group which is critical for advances in health care and nutrition.  Our model goes beyond the expectant mother or her infant daughter.  It focuses further on the child’s early health care and nutrition and looks at education as a vehicle to economic self-reliance. She said that the Chandigarh Model, will act as a beacon of hope, for it is gender sensitive and participatory in nature.  It is non-intrusive and accords primacy to the dignity of women. It builds on the inter-connectedness between enforcement, education and empowerment strategies. We shall work to ensure the survival of unborn girls and a life of dignity and self-reliance for our daughters.

Sanjay Kumar, Finance-cum-Health Secretary while speaking on the occasion said that with the guidance and patronage of General Rodrigues, this programme focuses on the collective endeavour of various government and non-government organizations to fight against female foeticide and enhance social status of women folk.  He assured the Administrator that all the participating agencies and individuals will do their best for implementing this programme in letter and spirit.