The Group of Ministers constituted to formulate guidelines to give legislative backing to the ‘Bangaru Thalli’- Girl Child Protection scheme -- felt that the legislation will ensure government commitment to the scheme irrespective of the party in power.
Panchayat Raj Minister K. Jana Reddy, though not a member in the GoM, was invited by his Cabinet colleagues to give his views. He favoured one-time deposit in the name of the girl child rather than releasing amounts at different stages.
Reluctance
Medical Education Minister Kondru Murali, however, said that Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, who were reluctant to send girls for higher education, would be motivated with periodical incentives.
With cash incentives deposited in the girl’s account as she reached different educational milestones will encourage families to avail the benefits for their children. Debating the need for legal status in the meeting, majority members said it would reflect the commitment of the government for the girl child irrespective of the changing priorities.
Ms. Sunitha Laxma Reddy said the periodical release of incentives from the time a girl was born till she attains age of 21 years would enable one to keep track of the child’s progress and send a message that she was no burden on the family. It would go a long way in improving the girl child sex ratio.
The group will meet again on Wednesday to finalise the Bill to be introduced in the Assembly during this week.
