BHOPAL: Parents of only daughters in Madhya Pradesh’s Harda district have been offered discounts on services and purchases across various sectors, including grocery stores, private schools, and private hospitals, as part of a district administration initiative to address the declining sex ratio at birth.
“Revashakti,” the scheme launched on January 1, provides barcoded “Keerti” cards to such parents, making them eligible for the benefits. So far, 638 parents have enrolled as members of the “only daughters” club. While Madhya Pradesh’s overall sex ratio at birth stands at 933, Harda district has a ratio of 894.
District collector Aditya Pratap Singh told TOI, “We have approached schools, hospitals, business establishments, and retail outlets in the district with the issue, and they all readily agreed to contribute to the cause. Some hospitals and schools have agreed to provide 100% discounts. The scheme is completely voluntary for them.”
He added that most grocery stores have agreed to offer discounts of 15% to 20% to Keerti card holders. “It’s mainly about changing perceptions and making parents of daughters feel special. At govt level, we are going a step further. Keerti card holders will not have to wait in queues at any govt office. If they come to the collectorate for any work, officials will assist them and prioritise their issues,” Singh said.
The chief medical and health officer will oversee discounts in private hospitals, transport department will manage fare concessions, and the food safety officer will ensure benefits at grocery stores. The district education officer will facilitate fee concessions in private schools and provide discounted learning materials, while sports and tourism departments will promote sports participation and manage concessions at tourist sites, Singh added.
