Women & child helpline awareness prog held
Source: Chronicle News Service / DIO

Kakching, February 18 2025: District Programme Officer (DPO), ICDS Cell, Kakching, under the supervision of the district administration organised an awareness campaign on helpline numbers for women and children on Tuesday at Langmeidong Laimanai Bazar community hall as part of the 10th edition of the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao (BBBP) scheme.

The scheme launched by the Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD) completed the 10th year on January 22, 2025 .

During the awareness programme, attended by over 120 participants and aimed at raising awareness on essential support services, a resource person encourage all concerned to provide information on toll-free round-the-clock Women's Helpline 181 so as to address issues faced by women affected by violence.

Women & child helpline awareness prog held

Additionally, attendees were informed about Childline 1098, also a toll-free, 24-hour emergency helpline accessible to children in need of care and protection or to adults concerned seeking assistance on their behalf.

Officials from the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Cell, Kakching, provided awareness regarding the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao (BBBP) scheme.

Attendees were informed that the scheme, which translates to "Save the Girl Child, Educate the Girl Child", aims to educate citizens on gender bias while enhancing the effectiveness of welfare services for girls.

It was emphasised that the BBBP scheme seeks to behavioural change in society regarding the birth and rights of girls, ensuring gender equality and women's empowerment Additionally, it aims to prevent gender-biased, sex-selective practices, safeguard the survival and protection of girls, and promote their education and active participation in society.

Furthermore, the public were made aware of the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic.

Techniques (PC-PNDT) Act, 1994, which prohibits sex selection before or after conception.

The Act also regulates prenatal diagnostic techniques to detect genetic abnormalities, metabolic disorders, and other medical conditions.

The event was attended by Yumnam Basanta of Waikhong Zilla Parishad as the chief guest while Langmeidong Gram Panchayat chairman Elangbam Muhendro Singh and Kakching DPO/CDPO Ningthoujam Parango Singh were the guest of honour and president respectively.

Additionally, 58 adolescent girls were presented with gifts during the function.