Shivraj Singh Chouhan Launches ‘Nayi Chetna’ Campaign Against Gender Violence

The Union Minister of Rural Development and Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, launched the third edition of the national campaign “Nayi Chetna – Pahal Badlaav Ki” in New Delhi on November 25, 2024. This month-long campaign aims to combat gender-based violence across India, focusing on raising awareness, promoting community engagement, and strengthening support systems for victims. 

The campaign is organized by the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) under the Ministry of Rural Development and will run across all States and Union Territories until December 23, 2024.

Key Highlights of the Nayi Chetna 3.0 Campaign

Launch and Key Figures

• Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan launched the campaign in New Delhi.
• Union Minister of Women and Child Development, Smt. Annpurna Devi, and Ministers of State for Rural Development, Shri Kamlesh Paswan and Dr. Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani, attended the event.

Campaign Objectives

• Raise awareness of all forms of gender-based violence.
• Encourage communities to speak out and demand action against violence.
• Provide access to support systems for timely assistance to victims.
• Empower local institutions to act decisively against violence.

Key Components of the Campaign

• The campaign’s slogan: “Ek Saath, Ek Awaaz, Hinsa Ke Khilaaf” (Together, One Voice, Against Violence).
• Joint advisory released by key ministers.
• Inauguration of 227 new Gender Resource Centers across 13 states.

Focus on Women Empowerment

• Shri Chouhan emphasized that women empowerment should include social, educational, political, and economic dimensions.
• Highlighted the need for zero tolerance for violence against women.
• Advocated for the death penalty for those convicted of rape.

Government and Ministry Support

• The campaign is a whole-of-government initiative with participation from 9 Ministries and Departments.
• Ministries involved include the Ministry of Women and Child Development, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Home Affairs, and others.

Challenges and Focus Areas

• Gender-based violence, including physical, emotional, and online abuse, continues to be a significant issue, particularly in rural India.
• 49% of women in rural India have no control over their income.
• 32% of women feel their opportunities are limited due to gender inequality.

Grassroots Involvement

• The campaign is driven by the Self-Help Group (SHG) network under DAY-NRLM, which empowers women at the grassroots level.
• Focus on urban and rural areas, with particular attention to issues like discrimination, high levels of violence, and unequal workloads.

Shivraj Singh Chouhan’s Personal Contributions

• Shri Chouhan recalled his tenure as Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, where he initiated various schemes aimed at women’s development.
• He noted that 90% of rape cases involved acquaintances, emphasizing the need for widespread public awareness.

Support for Women’s Rights

• Ministers like Shri Kamlesh Paswan and Dr. Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani stressed the importance of empowering women, with a particular focus on women’s dignity, security, and freedom.
• Dr. Pemmasani noted that gender-based violence knows no boundaries and affects women globally, with many cases remaining unreported due to fear and stigma.