Rural Development Secretary Prashant Kumar directed the officers to work in coordination with all the departments of the government and give their 100 per cent contribution in making 'Nai Chetna Abhiyan' against gender violence a success. He also directed for regular monitoring of the campaign and constitution of an interdepartmental state committee against gender discrimination. He was speaking at the interdepartmental coordination meeting on "Nai Chetna Abhiyan" against gender violence at FFP Building Auditorium today.

Kumar said that community participation is needed to eliminate gender based discrimination. For this, it is necessary that the information about the schemes being run by the government reaches the last person of the society, so that women can get its benefits and solve their problems.

The objective and background of the campaign was shared by MGNREGA Commissioner cum Chief Executive Officer, JSLPS Rajeshwari B. Along with spreading awareness on the campaign, he emphasized on prevention of gender based violence and directed other departments to come forward and make the campaign a success. She said that the participation of all the people of the society is necessary to make the campaign successful. Discrimination and exploitation against women should be identified.

Rajeshwari talked about making the role of all departments transparent and discussed various activities and training. He also talked about working for transgenders. There was talk on developing IEC material for transgender and elderly. Appreciating the work being done by the women of Sakhi Mandal, she said, “Important work is being done in the direction of gender equality through the Livelihood Mission. DAY-NRLM and the women of our village are working hard to bring the weaker sections of the rural areas into the mainstream of development.”

From November 25 to December 23, a 'Nai Chetna' campaign is being run across the state against gender-based discrimination. In this campaign implemented by the Rural Development Department, the villagers are being made aware through many activities by the women of Sakhi Mandal.

Gender Justice Center has been started for women counselling and immediate help against gender based discrimination, which was inaugurated on 25 November. 16 Justice Gender Centers have been started in 5 districts of the state (Gumla, Lohardaga, Khunti, Simdega and West Singhbhum). There has been talk of forming a state committee for regular monitoring of the campaign.

A month-long 'Nai Chetna Abhiyan' has been started to make women and girls aware against gender violence. Under the campaign, women are being informed about legal and other remedies available against violence. The campaign was launched on the occasion of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and Girls.

The meeting was also attended by Bishnu C. Parida, Chief Operating Officer, JSLPS, Poornima Mukherjee, In-charge State Program Manager, Social Development, JSLPS State Personnel and other department officials.