Women and Child Development Department Namchi conducts one day awareness programme on “Beti Bachao Beti Padhao”

Namchi, December 19 (IPR): Women and Child Development Department Namchi organised one day awareness programme on “Beti Bachao Beti Padhao” scheme, at 23 Rateypani GPU, today.
Present during the programme were Ms Indradong Tamang Panchayat President 23 Rateypani as a chief guest, Ms Dil Kumari Sarki Vice Panchayat President 23 Rateypani, Ms Sophia Lepcha Nodal Officer BBBP cum AD Nutrition, Ms Hema Devi Sharma DMC HUB for Empowerment of Women, Ms Smriti Rai Probation Officer DCP Unit, Ms Ambhika Rai Supervisor MLHP, Ms Ambhika Chettri Health and Wellness Centre (HLHP), along with the panchayats, members of ICDs, Anganwadi, SWI and the adolescent girls.
The one day awareness programme was basically focused on the health and well being of the adolescent girls.
The programme also celebrated Janmotsav and Weaning Ceremony to celebrate the birth of a girl child and to promote infant health.
Ms Indradong Tamang Panchayat President 23 Rateypani, in her speech addressed on the social issues to the community, focusing on the consequences of an early child marriage, poor family planning, and the importance of empowering adolescent girls.
She also mentioned the POSCO Act (Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses Act), which is a legal framework meant to protect children from sexual exploitation and abuse.
Additionally she emphasised that awareness campaigns should not only target women but also include men, to promote greater understanding and support for women.
Moreover, she stressed the importance of providing counsealing to parents who gave birth to children with a gap of just one year, focusing on the significance of their health and well being.
Ms Sophia Lepcha Nodal Officer BBBP cum AD Nutrition, brief over the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao (BBBP) scheme which was launched on 22 January 2015, its main aim was to address the issue of the declining child sex ratio image (CSR).
She stated that BBBP primary focus is on saving and educating daughters. She added that BBBP also involves raising awareness about early child marriage, gender equality, harassment prevention, and community participation.
Ms Hema Devi Sharma, DMC HUB, mentioned that HUB for Empowerment of Women under the Mission Sakthi initiative, works to empower women and girls across India by focusing on their safety, security, and self-reliance, helping them in education, healthcare, financial literacy, and legal rights.
Ms Smriti Rai, Probation Officer DCPO Unit, brief on the POSCO Act which addresses the child sexual abuse but also includes important sections concerning issues like early child marriage and teenage pregnancy.
She also highlighted on the JJ Act ( Juvenile Justice) 2015, which involves two types of children, CNCP (Child in Need of Care and Protection) and CICL (Child in Conflict with Law).
The CNCP Act, ensures their right to protection from abuse, neglect, and exploitation, offering care through shelters, foster homes, and rehabilitation programs.
The CICL Act, ensure that the child is retrain into society through counseling, education, and suitable rehabilitation programs, it places more emphasis on reformative than disciplinary methods.
Ms Ambhika Rai Supervisor of MLHP, stated the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) program, which was introduced in 2016 to give financial assistance to pregnant and nursing mothers in India, by offering financial support during pregnancy and the early years of motherhood, promoting appropriate prenatal and postnatal care, and encouraging improved nutrition for both mother and child, its main objective is to promote the health of mothers and children.
She also highlighted the importance of enrollment for its benefits, particularly for those in the BPL (Below Poverty Line) category.
Ms Ambhika Chettri MLHP Rateypani, Health and Wellness Centre, talked on the Menstruation Hygiene, where she informed the importance of proper menstrual hygiene. Also informing on the correct use of menstrual products, maintaining cleanliness during the menstrual cycle.
She addressed the critical issue of early child marriage and its harmful effects on women’s health, she highlighted how an early marriage can significantly impact a young girl physical, mental, and emotional well being.
The programme concluded with a token of appreciation toward the chief guest of the event.