Child welfare panel starts Abodh Bharat Abhiyan in city

Chandigarh, February 15

The cases related to child abandonment are on the rise in the city as foetuses or new born babies have been found dumped in bins, bushes and drains.

The Child Welfare Committee, Chandigarh, in an alliance with the Chandigarh Police has pasted posters at 30 police stations; GMCH-32; GMSH-16; Snehalaya, Maloya; and Ashiana, Sector 15; under the Abodh Bharat Abhiyan.

“The Abodh Bharat Abhiyan will take Chandigarh on the path of right to life and right to be cared for and protection of new born girls,” said Sangita Vardhan, chairperson, Child Welfare Committee.

Vardhan said, “Neonatal deaths due to abandonment are caused due to illegal abortions, undisclosed rape pregnancies, female foeticide and fear of social shame and stigma.”

Infant abandonment is a cognizable offence under Section 317 of the IPC and infanticide is booked under Section 315 of the IPC. These deaths do not figure in child mortality rates because they are usually outside the health system.

On December 28, 2019, a five-month-old girl (Navya) was found abandoned at Chandigarh railway station. The baby was rescued by the Railway Childline and efforts are being made to trace the parents of the child. — TNS