Haryana Issues Show-Cause Notices to 393 Anganwadi Workers Over Illegal Abortions

In a major action, Haryana’s health department has decided to serve show-cause notices to 393 anganwadis across the state. These were workers who didn’t prevent or report illegal abortions, especially in the specific areas assigned to them, which were mostly women who already had one or more daughters.

What is the SAHELI Initiative?

The targeted workers were members of the SAHELI initiative, a programme which was part of the state’s wider strategy to address female foeticide. Under this initiative, anganwadi or ASHA workers were directed to counsel and track pregnant women who were having daughters in an effort to provide support and discourage sex-selective abortions.

What Led to the Action?

The order was issued following a review meeting headed by Additional Chief Secretary (Health) Sudhir Rajpal, who was taking stock of the government’s efforts to curb illegal sex determination and misuse of Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) kits. Currently over 50,000 women are being monitored statewide, and the health department observed lapses in monitoring and reporting relevant to the disciplinary action taken.

What are the Government’s Next Steps?

Rajpal ordered disciplinary action to be taken immediately by the Women and Child Development Department. He also asked for monitoring of MTP and ultrasound centres to increase and 100% birth registration, especially in under-reporting districts like Mewat and Palwal, and the association and involvement of relevant community aspects.

How Will the State Curb Female Foeticide?

Haryana is activating NGOs, ASHA activists and community leaders to further bolster the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao initiative. Very soon birth registration camps will be arranged in slum areas, and inter-district squads will investigate any suspected breaches.

The enhanced focus on accountability around deeply entrenched gender bias underlines Haryana’s commitment to implementing reproductive health law in a strict and determined manner.