Govt Unveils Strategic Plan for ‘Nayi Chetna 3.0’ to Combat Gender-Based Violence

During the meeting, Smt. Smriti Sharan, Joint Secretary, Rural Development, presented key findings from previous editions of the Nayi Chetna campaign.

The Ministry of Rural Development launches the third phase of ‘Nayi Chetna’ with participation from seven ministries, focusing on awareness, response, and support mechanisms for gender-based violence across India.

The Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana - National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM), under the Ministry of Rural Development, convened an inter-ministerial meeting to launch the strategic roadmap for ‘Nayi Chetna 3.0’, the third edition of its national campaign against gender-based violence. The meeting, chaired by Shri Shailesh Kumar Singh, Secretary, Rural Development, brought together representatives from seven ministries to discuss action plans, focusing on raising awareness and strengthening response systems against gender-based violence on a national scale.

Collaborative Efforts and Strategic Goals of Nayi Chetna 3.0

During the meeting, Smt. Smriti Sharan, Joint Secretary, Rural Development, presented key findings from previous editions of the Nayi Chetna campaign. She highlighted the importance of inter-ministerial collaboration, setting the stage for Nayi Chetna 3.0’s expanded goals and structure. Launching on November 25, 2024, the campaign will span all Indian states and union territories, continuing until December 23, 2024. The initiative will be executed through DAY-NRLM’s extensive Self-Help Group (SHG) network, embodying the concept of Jan Andolan or people’s movement, aimed at mobilizing communities from the grassroots level.

A Unified Front Across Ministries

The Ministry of Rural Development welcomed participation from key ministries, including Health and Family Welfare, Information and Broadcasting, Women and Child Development, Panchayati Raj, Youth Affairs, Social Justice and Empowerment, and the Department of Justice. Discussions emphasized a unified approach to address gender-based violence, from preventive efforts to improved access to support systems. By leveraging each ministry’s expertise, the campaign seeks to drive its objectives more effectively, with a joint advisory outlining specific roles for each ministry. This blueprint was discussed and reviewed, focusing on prioritizing various forms of gender-based violence, including domestic violence, workplace harassment, and discrimination.

Supporting Community-Driven Awareness and Prevention

In his remarks, Shri Charanjit Singh, Additional Secretary, Rural Development, praised the collaborative strategies and called for the formalization of the advisory, emphasizing a mission-mode approach to drive the campaign forward. In closing, Shri Shailesh Kumar Singh underscored the importance of an integrated national approach across ministries, noting that widespread social change is achievable through coordinated action.

Impact and Future Goals of the Nayi Chetna Campaign

Since its inception, the Nayi Chetna Campaign has sought to elevate awareness and foster informed action against gender-based violence. In its first year, the campaign reached 3.5 crore people, supported by several line ministries, and Nayi Chetna 2.0 expanded its reach to 5.5 crore participants across 31 states and union territories. The campaign conducted over 9 lakh awareness activities on gender-based violence, making substantial strides toward gender equality and women’s empowerment.

Looking forward, Nayi Chetna 3.0 aims to build on this momentum, continuing to reach millions and deepen its impact. By driving community-based initiatives and providing crucial resources, this campaign intends to foster lasting societal change, empowering individuals and communities to take an active stand against gender-based violence.