Haryana launches ‘call to action’ initiative with Parineeti Chopra

The Haryana government on Tuesday launched the ‘call to action’ initiative under the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao programme, with a view to saving and educating the girl child in the state.

Speaking on the occasion, Haryana chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar stressed the need to develop a multi-sectoral action plan keeping in mind the birth of girls, their security, development, education and empowerment.

The state government also formally appointed Bollywood actress Parineeti Chopra as the brand ambassador of the campaign.

Khattar said, “As we are here to promote the girl child in the state, so we have a Haryana face to promote the cause. As Parineeti is from Ambala so she represent every girl in the state”.

To ensure the active participation of the private sector in the initiative, the state signed a memorandum of understanding with the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) and Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industries (FICCI). “My vision of Haryana is of a state where all communities live in an environment where girls and women are empowered and enjoy equal rights as citizens. For this movement to be successful, everyone has a role to play,” he added.

CM KEEPS MUM ON VIJ’S ABSENCE

Asked about health minister Anil Vij decision to skip the event, Khattar refused to respond and said: “Today, we should talk about the girl child issues in the state”.

Parineeti Chopra said that she believed that women in Haryana had suffered discrimination and struggled against patriarchy for centuries and this practice had to stop. “If my presence and face can help in changing the fate of some girls and can build awareness in favour of girls, I would be gratified. And I hope to do a lot more for the campaign in the future.”

US Ambassador to India Richard Verma and country representative of UNICEF, Louis-Georges Arsenault, were also present at the ceremony.

Verma said: “I think Haryana’s efforts to promote the health, education and development of women and girls are worthy of recognition. The US is eager to partner with India and Haryana in support of Beti Bachao goals. ”

Earlier in the day, the state government issued new guidelines for implementation of existing laws to prevent sex determination tests and ensuring proper education facilities for girls.

First Published: Jul 22, 2015 08:36 IST