Target to increase the ratio of girls in Punjab by 2026, a big step by Punjab government for the safety of daughters.

Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s government has taken a big and decisive step to end the serious social problem like female feticide in Punjab. State Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh clarified that Punjab no longer wants to be limited to reforms only, but wants to become an example in the country regarding the safety and respect of women.

What is the goal of the government?

The government has set a target that by the year 2026 the sex ratio of the state should be improved to a level better than the national average. In this direction, strict instructions have been given to the health department that special monitoring should be maintained at every stage from conception to delivery. Its main objective is to completely eliminate the possibility of sex determination or female feticide in any form. This stance of the government shows that the safety and rights of daughters are being given top priority.

During an important workshop organized in Chandigarh, the Health Minister said that stopping the birth of a girl child is not only a violation of the law but is also like putting the biggest burden on the society. He said in clear words that now a policy of “zero tolerance” will be adopted towards this crime in Punjab. This message is not only for the health department employees, but is a warning to the entire society that female feticide will not be accepted under any circumstances.

The state government is also strengthening the health infrastructure to make this campaign effective. Civil surgeons, doctors, staff nurses and especially ASHA workers have been given the responsibility of care and monitoring of pregnant women. Their objective will be that every pregnant woman gets better medical care and there is no illegal activity of any kind. This monitoring will promote both the health and safety of women.

Emphasis on importance of C-PNDT Act

Dr. Balbir Singh also stressed the importance of PC-PNDT Act (1994). This Act was made so that efforts to know the sex of the fetus can be banned by misusing technology. The minister said that the law becomes effective only when the government enforces it strictly and the society accepts it. The Mann government is working in this direction with full commitment.

Not only laws, equal emphasis is also being laid on awareness. Awareness campaigns will be run across Punjab, so that respect for daughters increases among people and gender equality is promoted. The government believes that this is not just an administrative task but a mission to bring positive change in social thinking.

This initiative of the Punjab government will further strengthen the image of the state in the coming years. A Punjab where the birth of a daughter will be a cause of happiness, where women will get equal opportunities and where a secure future will be guaranteed. This model can prove to be an inspiration for other states also.