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Updated February 21st, 2020 at 15:43 IST

BIG: Kamal Nath's MP government rolls back 'sterilisation' order after severe backlash

Amid the severe backlash for the 'sterilisation' circular, Madhya Pradesh Health Minister Tulsi Silawat on Friday, informed that State government has withdrawn

Kamal Nath
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Amid the severe backlash for the 'sterilisation' circular, Madhya Pradesh Health Minister Tulsi Silawat on Friday, informed that the State government has withdrawn the controversial order. The circular had threatened to fire male multi-purpose health workers (MPHWs) if they failed to convince at least one male to undergo sterilisation. While MP Law Minister P C Sharma had assured that as most families preferred smaller families now, the 'pro-sterilisation' circular will not result in anyone losing their jobs, BJP had likened the order to 'emergency-era' diktat.

MP govt withdraws 'sterilisation' order

MP min touts 'Indira's 2 hands Sanjay Gandhi & Kamal Nath'; defends sterilisation circular

MP Minister defends order

Sharma blamed the previous Shivraj Singh Chouhan government for the order saying,"This circular has been from the time of BJP's government. No one will be harmed by this. Nowadays everyone has a tendency of following 'small family, happy family'. We are trying to let families educate children without facing burden. I don't believe anyone has been fired from their jobs for such an issue."

Kamal Nath's MP govt rushes to review sterilisation circular amid 'Emergency 2' attack

Kamal Nath govt's 'pro-sterilisation' order

On Friday, a circular issued by the Madhya Pradesh government emerged which urged men to mobilise at least one man for sterilisation in the year 2019-20 failing which they could lose their jobs. The circular dated 11 February 2020 states that all male multi-purpose health workers (MPHWs) should mobilise at least five to 10 “willing beneficiaries” when camps are held in districts. It adds that if not their salaries would be withheld and that they would be compulsorily retired if they failed to do so. The recently released National Family Health Survey-4 report had recorded that only 0.5 percent men were opting for sterilisation in the state.

37 Women made to sleep on floor after sterilisation operation in Vidisha

Sanjay Gandhi's sterlisation program

Similarly, in September 1976, Sanjay Gandhi initiated a widespread compulsory sterilization program to limit population growth. This was immediately after Indira Gandhi, on the advice of Sanjay and others imposed Emergency and curbed civil liberties and fundamental rights of citizens. The sterilisation program was a part of Sanjay Gandhi's five-point programme, which included adult literacy (with the slogan ‘Each One, Teach One’), the abolition of dowry, the abolition of the caste system, beautifying the environment (by clearing slums and planting trees) and, a radical programme of family planning.

Kamal Nath govt issues sterilisation target to MP health staff; 'at least 1 man, or else'

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Published February 21st, 2020 at 14:33 IST

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