Srinagar, October 10 (Scoop News) – Minister for Social Welfare Ms. Sakina Itoo stressed the need for launching massive awareness campaign at gross root level to combat declining sex ratio in J&K. She said Health, Education and Social Welfare departments have been asked to synergize efforts towards the end.
The Minister was addressing a high level meeting convened here to discuss the initiatives taken by the respective departments in this behalf. The visiting members of Planning Commission headed by Dr. Syeda Hameed which are here to work with government agencies for addressing the issue, participated in the meeting.
Ms Itoo said that Social Welfare department has already begun awareness, counselling among women folk through Anganwari centres at Rajouri, Kupwara and Shopian. She stressed on Central Government’s timely consideration of the proposal for opening 7000 new ICDS centres in the State so that better results could be achieved at ground level.
Ms Sakina said at present 28000 Anganwari centres are functioning in the state which work in tandem with Health and Education department in providing proper knowledge regarding the ill effect of female foeticide. She also gave some valuable suggestions to make the programme a successful initiative.
Dr. Syeda Hameed in her address said that ICDS is being restructured as per the state’s specific requirements. She appreciated the suggestions of the Social Welfare Minister and said that these would be discussed at the Planning Commission for better results.
Among others, Commissioner Secretary, Social Welfare Jeet Lal Gupta, Director, Social Welfare Hilal Ahmad Paray, Managing Director, Women’s Development Corporation, Deputy Directors, Programmes Officers and District Social Welfare officers were present in the meeting.
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