Selja explained the schemes and initiatives taken by the UPA government to tackle the problem of decreasing sex ratio. The government has sanctioned two projects of Rs 400 crore towards the mission.

She added it was the need of the hour that NGOs, educationists, elected representatives and youth should come forward to start a movement to overcome the social evil.

Union Minister of State for Finance Pawan Kumar Bansal emphasised the need to jointly fight against the evil and ban sex determination tests. He disclosed that female foeticide was not the only reason for declining sex ratio in the city. “Assurance was given for the allocation of more funds,” he said.

PGI Director Prof K K Talwar explained the effects of the evil and corrective measures to be taken by the Centre, state governments and voluntary organisations to stop female foeticide.

Chairperson of Chandigarh Social Welfare Board Lalit Joshi informed that the board has launched a drive to organise 50 awareness camps for women in various parts of the city.

Former faculty member of Panjab University Pam Rajput, Executive Secretary of Voluntary Health Association Manmohan Sharma and President of Survival of Young and Adolescent Foundation also spoke on the occasion. Mayor Pradeep Chabra proposed the vote of thanks.