In Harda, parents of girl child to get discount on services & purchases

In Harda, parents of girl child to get discount on services & purchases

Amarjeet.Singh1@timesofindia.com 06.01.2025

Bhopal : For parents of girl children living in Harda district of Madhya Pradesh, there is good news. Faced with the problem of declining child sex ratio at birth, the district administration has launched a unique scheme named “Revashakti” for parents with only daughters offering them discounts on services and purchases across different sectors. The scheme launched on January 1, provides unique barcoded “Keerti” cards, to such parents making them eligible for various benefits, including discounts at grocery stores, private schools, private hospitals among others. And so far in the first week of the New Year, 638 parents enrolled as members of the 'only daughters' club.

 The district administration move follows after the sex ratio at birth in the district dropped to 894 in 2021-22 from 897. The overall sex ratio at birth for Madhya Pradesh stands at 933. District collector Harda, Aditya Pratap Singh, told TOI, “The consistent decline in the birth of girl child is a pressing issue. Through this initiative, we aim to encourage and support parents of girl children in maintaining a balanced sex ratio in the district. He said, “majority of grocery stores have agreed to provide 15% to 20% discounts to Keerti card holders. 

It's about changing perceptions, says Harda collector Singh said, “We have approached the schools, hospitals, business establishments and retail outlets in the district with the problems and they all readily agreed to contribute to the cause. Some hospitals and schools have agreed to provide 100% discounts for treatment and studies to such parents and children. The scheme is completely voluntary, and we have left it to the institutions to decide the discounts they could offer.” “It is mainly about changing perceptions and making the parents of daughters feel special. 

At the govt levels, we are going one step further. 'Keerti' card holders will not have to wait in queues at any govt office for a service. If they come to the collectorate for any work, the officials will reach out to them and address their issue on priority,” Singh said. “Availing govt services will not only be easy but almost free for the members of this club. And this is the first phase. Later, we plan to include those in the scheme who have their first child as a daughter,” he added. Official sources said that to ensure seamless implementation, responsibilities have been delegated to various departments. The chief medical and health officer will oversee discounts in private hospitals, the transport department will handle 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 discounted learning materials while sports and Tourism departments will encourage sports participation and manage concessions at tourist sites. TNN