Sensitization programme under BBBP held at Jhakama

KOHIMA, NOVEMBER 22 (MExN): The Kohima District Administration in collaboration with District Hub for Empowerment of Women, Kohima, Village Adoption Committee, 14- Southern Angami-1 AC, Nagaland Resource Center and National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development held an orientation and sensitization programme under Beti Bachao Beti Padhao on November 22 at Village Council Hall, Jakhama.

Delivering the keynote address SDO (Civil), Jakhama, Nockpai Konyak gave a brief introduction on why the BBBP scheme was introduced in India and cited that the declining sex ratio along with female foeticide were the primary reasons. He urged the society to do away with gender discrimination and to empower the girls and women by making them aware of their rights and privileges. He also stated that equal participation of both genders in the public sphere was necessary to fully empower women in the society. 

Juliana Medom, Advisor, Nagaland Resource Center (NRC) spoke on “Adolescence well- being.” Citing that the adolescent period is an exciting yet stressful time when a child transitions into adulthood, she urged the parents to provide a stable, safe and loving home environment. She further gave a brief highlight of the work carried out by the NRC for adolescent boys and girls and stated that NRC has been working closely with adolescents in regard to certain issues like addiction to drugs and alcohol, prostitution, trafficking and cyber- crimes.  

Dr Vijoho, Medical Officer, Jakhama gave a discourse on “Sexual Health, Menstrual Health and Mental Health.” He spoke on the physical and emotional development of adolescents and cited that during this period many adolescents’ faces problems like dropping out of school and also teenage pregnancies which would have serious harm on the health of the mother and might even lead to contracting HIV and AIDS. He also urged the society to do away with the taboo related to menstruation and provide right information like proper menstrual hygiene. He further gave an overview of how to overcome mental health problems like depression and anxiety.

Poji, DDM, Kohima, NABARD gave a brief account of “Banking and Insurance Schemes.” He spoke on educational schemes like the Central Sector Interest Subsidy Scheme, which students can avail for higher studies in technical and professional fields. Students whose annual gross parental/ family income is below 4.5 lakh are eligible to apply for the scheme. He also stated the life insurance schemes which the people can avail like the Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana.

The Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana Scheme was highlighted by Vidilhounuo Solo, Specialist in Financial Literacy, DHEW, Kohima. She explained at length the objectives of the scheme, who can apply, documents required and where to apply. She also highlighted the One Stop Centre (OSC) scheme and the various help through which women and girls can avail under OSC, like- lodging FIR, legal assistance, medical care, counseling and temporary shelter.

The programme was chaired by Zhopo Richa, Village Council Chairman, Jakhama and the invocation was said by Huovisal, GB, Jakhama.