Imphal, September 23: Inspite of the Government launching various schemes for the development and welfare of the girl child, it has become a moot point today to ask how far these schemes have been successful in ensuring the rights and privileges of the girl child, Chairperson of Manipur State Women Commission Dr Ch Jamini has questioned.

Speaking as chief guest at the inaugural function of a day-long State level seminar on the theme of 'Girl Child Friendly Society in Manipur' at State Guest House here today, Dr Jamini observed that discrimination towards girl child is still prevalent in the society regardless of their contribution in the family and the society.

Such discrimination prevents the girl child from growth and show casing their hidden talents.

It is only a lucky few who could overcome this hurdle and come out shining and be successful in life.

Although the instances of crimes like female infanticide and atrocities that are being witnessed in other States of India are rare in Manipur, preference of sons over daughters is still there and the girls are not treated at par with the boys.

Inspite of their notable achievements in various fields, the society does not accord them the same kind of respect being shown to the boys, Dr Jamini pointed out.

As a result of the ignorant of the parents and the negligence of the Government machineries, girls have been deprived of the benefits of the various schemes launched by the Government from time to time with special attention to their need for education, health ,etc.

So it is essential to find out how these schemes are being implemented in the interest of the girl child, she added.

The inaugural function of the seminar being organised by Kasturba Gandhi Kendra, Imphal was also attended Head of Political Science Dept, Manipur University Prof Ksh Bimola and human rights activist Khaidem Mani Singh as guests of honour.

In her address, Ksh Bimola pointed out that along with formulation of a National Women Policy, the Government of India has taken up various welfare measures for the girls and women.

Under this National policy, every States must have their own State policies.

But in Manipur, there has no women policy so far, she lamented.

The problems being faced by the girls and women can be identified and necessary remedial measures taken up only after formulation of the State policy, she noted.

Unlike in other States, there has also been no study centre or research centre on women in Manipur inspite of the contributions made by the women in various fronts, she rued.

Khaidem Mani maintained that the problem of insurgency is one of the causes for the failure of ensuring the rights to the girl child in Manipur.

Until and unless, this problem has not been resolved, setting up any number of Human Rights Commission, Women Commission or Children Commission would not be able to ensure and protect the rights of the girls.

So the problem of insurgency should be resolved through political dialogue as early as possible, he said.

Chairman of Kasturba Gandhi Kendra, Imphal Kh Momon who presided over the function expressed serious concern over the increasing rate of school dropout among the girls in Manipur and their backwardness in many areas and said poverty is the remain reason for this.

Participating in the seminar as resource persons, social activist Annie Mangsatabam presented a paper on the topic of 'Constructive policies in respect of health and education for girl child', Chairperson of Manipur State Social Welfare Advisory Board RK Bedita Devi on 'Development programme for the welfare of the girl child in Manipur society and Advocate Ch Narendra Singh on 'Violence faced by the girl child and its remedies'.

Khaidem Mani and Prof Ksh Bimola were respectively moderated the first and the second session of the seminar.

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