For the first time in the history of Indian Premier league (IPl), popularity of cricket will be used for a noble cause to bridge the gender gap and outlook of the society towards a girl child. An NGO — Hamari Virasat Betiya – with the objective to improve the declining number of girl child in the country has decided to sell badges with the message ‘save the girl child’ among the cricket fans.
Hamari Virasat Betiya president Manjeet Singh, at a press conference, said, “We are going to sell ‘Save the girl child’ imprinted badges among the cricket lovers who are going to watch the IPl match in Ranchi scheduled on May 2 and 12 respectively. Moreover, those wearing the badge if grab the ball from the stand can win a cash prize of Rs 1.25 lakh.”
He further added that according to 2011 census report the child sex ratio in our country has been dropped to 914 females against 1,000 male. It is the lowest since Independence. Despite enforcement of various laws and schemes to save girl child, the ratio has declined from 927 females against 1,000 males in 2001, to 914. The badge costs Rs 199 and it is available at the reception area of Hotel Capitol Hill from April 30 - May 2 till 3pm. Besides Ranchi, the NGO will carry out its campaign in Ahmedabad, Chennai, Bangalore and Mumbai also.
“The money collected will be used for the welfare of the girl child. The winner selection will be done through video clipping. The next day the winner has to submit his ID proof along with two photographs at the Big 92.7 FM office,” added Singh.
The prize distribution will be done in Delhi’s Shanhri la Eros hotel on June 5. The NGO will bear the winner’s travelling as well as accommodation expenses.