Appreciating Haryana Government’s initiatives, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday said that there was a time when Haryana had the worst child sex ratio, but with the launch of his ‘Beti Bachao Andolan’, the State has acquired and achieved a changed status of saving its girls and daughters.
“Haryana as a State had the worst child sex ratio. Haryana which was known for female infanticide is today known for Beti Bachao (saving the girl child). And, this has spread to the entire country from here (Haryana),” said Prime Minister while addressing ‘Gati Pragati’ rally after inauguration of Badarpur-Mujesar Metro Rail link Project at Faridabad on Sunday.
Beti Bachao Beti Padhao campaign was launched in Haryana by Prime Minister in January this year to address the issues related to girl child survival, health, nutrition, education and empowerment. Till date, 16 districts of Haryana have been covered under the campaign and rest of the five districts namely Ambala, Kaithal, Karnal, Rohtak and Panchkula will be covered by September 30.
Haryana has the lowest child sex ratio of 834 compared to the national average of 919 (according to census of India 2011). The State Government had last month appointed actress Parineeti Chopra as brand ambassador for the ‘BBBP’ programme to promote the cause of the girl child.
Under the BBBP campaign, Haryana Government has undertaken extensive campaign against female foeticide across all the districts as well as cross border areas in states of Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi by employing decoy patients in co ordination with the respective State authorities and 75 FIRs have been registered against the violators of PC&PNDT and MTP Act. The Manohar lal Khattar led Haryana Government has also announced to give a reward of Rs 1.50 lakh to the village, which would be successful in improving the skewed sex ratio and check female foeticide.
Meanwhile, emphasizing development as the ultimate goal of the BJP-led NDA government, the Prime Minister while addressing the rally said that his sole aim is to bring development in Haryana and in the country.
“Haryana is my second home. After leaving Gujarat, I have spent most of my time here. Since the time you have elected us, our sole mantra (aim) and goal is vikas (development). If there is development, then our farmers will prosper, the youth will get employment. If there is development, then children from poor background will get quality education, the poor will get shelter to live,” the Prime Minister said.
“The developmental work could have been completed in last 60 years, but past governments were not serious on the issue of development. The Centre and the State Government have to walk together in order to achieve the goal of development. If some work is incomplete, it is the duty of this government to complete it. Solution does not lie only in criticising,” he added.
Modi said that the new metro line will drive the economy in Haryana and will generate employment.