JAIPUR: Following chief minister

’s call to eradicate the practice of ‘ghoonghat’ in the state, the district administration kicked off its ‘

’ campaign in the city.

Under the campaign, awareness will be created among both men and women about the regressive practice which stands as an obstacle to women empowerment and gender equality in society. Women in the district will also be motivated not to wear ghoonghat when they come to vote during panchayat elections. Besides, awareness will be created through WhatsApp and other social media platforms, Gargi and Meena manch in schools and Mahila gram sabhas in the villages.

Rajesh Dogiwal, deputy director, women empowerment, said as a part of plan of action, “The parents of students will be sensitized during bal sabhas in government schools. Rural women will be encouraged to refrain from wearing ghoonghat during the panchayat polls. Every Thursday, a mahila sabha will be organised at the gram panchayat level as a part of the awareness programme, in which even aanganwadi workers will be sensitised”.

“An orientation programme will be organised for all the elected women sarpanch in Jaipur so that they can create awareness among other women during gram sabhas, festivals and bal sabhas,” he added.

During awareness programmes, women will be sensitised about the negative impact of the practice towards gender equality, their success, professional growth, women rights, education and health.