CM launches ‘Palna’ scheme for abandoned newborns

Tribune News Service

Dehradun, October 3

Chief Minister Harish Rawat inaugurated the ‘Palna’ Scheme for abandoned and orphaned newborns at the Rajkiya Balika Niketan and the Nari Niketan at Kedarpuram here today. The state government under the scheme would adopt newly born children abandoned by their parents due to various reasons. Cradles would be placed at various places so that babies may be left there.

The Chief Minister also launched the ‘Nai Jindagi’ scheme, a skill development training programme for mentally challenged women and girls, at the Nari Niketan. The ‘Palna’ scheme was started from the Rajkiya Balika Niketan at Kedarpuram. A cradle has been placed at the main door of the niketan and a bell has been installed there.

Rawat said cradles would be placed at selected places in Dehradun. Further, the scheme would be expanded to other places across the state. “We want that Uttarakhand does not have to bear the shame of girl foeticide. We request parents to leave their newly born baby girls in cradles instead of throwing them in garbage heaps or aborting pregnancy. These girls will be brought up as daughters of Uttarakhand,” he said.

Under the ‘Nai Zindagi’ skill development programme, mentally challenged women and girls would be trained in making eco-friendly products such as incense sticks (dhoopbati) from waste flowers. He said mentally challenged people also have good capacities and the government was making efforts to use their abilities.. Arrangements would be made to sell products made by these people and income thus generated along with an equal amount granted by the government would be used for their welfare.

MLA Kunwar Parnav Singh Champion, Principal Secretary Radha Raturi, and Secretary Dr Bupinder Kaur Aulakh, including other officers, were present.