Union Minister of Rural Development and Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan launched the third edition of Nayi Chetna – Pahal Badlaav Ki, a one month long national campaign against gender-based violence in New Delhi today. Union Minister of Women and Child Development Smt. Annpurna Devi also graced the event with Ministers of states of Rural Development Shri Kamlesh Paswan and Dr. Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani. The campaign, organized by the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana - National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) under the aegis of the Ministry of Rural Development, will run across all States and Union Territories until 23rd December 2024. This initiative, led by DAY-NRLM’s extensive Self-Help Group (SHG) network, embodies the spirit of Jan Andolan. The Nayi Chetna campaign aims to amplify awareness and drive informed action against gender-based violence through grassroots initiatives. Union Minister of Rural Development Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan released Nayi Chetna 3.0 joint Advisory along with Union Minister of Women and Child Development Smt. Annpurna Devi and Ministers of state of Rural Development Shri Kamlesh Paswan and Dr. Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani. And they also inaugurated 227 new Gender Resource Centers in 13 states.

Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan said that during his tenure as Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, he initiated numerous schemes aimed at women's development. These initiatives brought about significant positive change in their lives, also enhancing their respect within their households.If women are to be completely empowered, then women empowerment, social empowerment, political empowerment, and educational empowerment must be achieved. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, women empowerment initiatives are being implemented as a campaign. I heartily congratulate Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for this endeavour. Programs like Nayi Chetna must be taken to society, as violence persists, affecting not only rural areas but also cities, where incidents like Nirbhaya occur. Daughters like Rubika Pahari and Ankita Sen are victims of heinous crimes. During my tenure as Chief Minister, I observed that 90% of rape cases involved acquaintances. Widespread public awareness is essential to combat this issue. Women self-help groups have sparked a revolution in women empowerment, uniting women as a force. This campaign must be taken to every village through these groups. To enhance its effectiveness, we will review and strategize its implementation in every village and city, with a focus on urban areas.

Shri Chouhan emphasizes the need for a new consciousness in India, where the tradition of respecting women seems to be dwindling. He stresses that there should be no tolerance for violence against women and no excuses for not taking action. To achieve this, he advocates for the death penalty for those convicted of rape, arguing that human rights are for humans, not for those who commit heinous crimes. He also highlights the importance of unity and collective effort among women, the Women Development Department, self-help groups, and society as a whole to ensure safety and end violence. Shri Chouhan envisions a future where women can live without fear of violence, and he urges everyone to work together to achieve this goal.

Shri Kamlesh Paswan highlighted the remarkable efforts of the Rural Development Ministry, under Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi's leadership, in empowering women, who constitutes half of India's population. Notably, the housing scheme has made significant strides, allocating 75% of houses to women. This initiative is part of the rapid changes taking place in India to promote women's equality.

Dr. Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani said that our nation’s progress hinges on the dignity, security, and freedom of every woman especially those in our rural heart land. Gender based violence is a global issue that knows no boundaries, taking many forms from physical and emotional abuse to online harassment and cyber bullying. Many gender based violence cases go unnoticed due to fear, social stigma, lack of awareness and inadequate support systems, therefore empowering women isn’t just a policy, and it’s our moral duty and societal necessity Dr. Pemmasani added.

Secretary of Rural Development Shri Shailesh Kumar emphasized the crucial role of women's determination and dedication in driving this movement forward. He stressed that a strong movement can only be formed with the active participation and support of women. Shri Shailesh Kumar also acknowledged the current situation of gender-based violence and inequalities in India. Despite progress in women's education, health, and political participation, women continue to face challenges like discrimination, social norms, high levels of violence, and unequal household workload. In rural India, the statistics are alarming, with 49% of women having no control over their income and 32% believing their opportunities are limited due to gender inequality.

The campaign is a collaborative effort in the spirit of “whole of government” approach and witness participation of 9 Ministries/Departments namely Ministry of Women and Child Development, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Department of School Education and Literacy, Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and Department of Justice.

The objectives of Nayi Chetna 3.0 include raising awareness of all forms of gender-based violence, encouraging communities to speak out and demand action, providing access to support systems for timely assistance and empowering local institutions to act decisively against violence.The campaign’s slogan, “Ek Saath, Ek Awaaz, Hinsa Ke Khilaaf,” embodies the call for collective action through convergence efforts, adopting a whole-of-society and whole-of-government approach.

*****

SS