Role of media in implementation of Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao scheme stressed
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, December 08 2019: Media sensitization programme on Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP), organised by Imphal East district administration and DPO/ICDS Cell, was held at Manipur Press Club, Imphal today.

Speaking at the event as chief guest, Imphal East Deputy Commissioner Dr Rangitabali Waikhom said that successful implementation of the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao scheme needs proper and widespread diffusion of information through media.

She said that Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao is a campaign of the Centre that aims to generate awareness and improve the efficiency of welfare services intended for girls.

The scheme was launched in 2015.Highlighting the roles of media (newspapers and local TV channels), she said that journalists should provide more insight and information on the BBBP besides covering the programmes and schemes related to the campaign.

Imphal East district administration will give award to journalist who covers the best on BBBP.

The award will be handed over on Republic Day, she said.

The scheme is providing education to girls by ensuring maximum enrolment of girl child in schools.

The scheme empowers girls, she said adding that the roles of Health, Education and Social Welfare Departments are vast in order to fulfil the aims and objectives of the scheme.

The departments alone can not implement the scheme.

Successful implementation requires diffusion of right information to the people at grassroots level and educating them.

Engagement of institutions and locals bodies is required and media needs to play its role in reaching out to the masses with the right information on BBBP, Rangitabali said.

There are many factors which are making girls drop out of school.

Myth and taboos around menstruation is one among the many factors which is pushing the girls backwards, she said.

As part of the BBBP, the district administration in association with Shashi Kiran Charitable Trust has recently started distribution of reusable sanitary pads to girl students of Government and Govt Aided Schools.

The district administration is planning to cover 5,000 girl students.

The initiative aims at breaking the myth around menstruation and improving their health and hygiene, she added.

At the event, AMWJU (All Manipur Working Journalists Union) president, Bijoy Kakchingtabam also encouraged media persons to cover extensively on the scheme for its successful implementation.

Social Welfare Department (Children Program) Deputy Director, K Saroja and Imphal East ICDS Cell DPO, Indira Lourembam also attended the event.

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