In a joint initiative by MCC and Bharat Vikas Parishad to mainstream the Girl Child and Self Help Groups, Banwarilal Purohit, Governor of Punjab and Administrator of UT, Chandigarh, launched the innovative ‘Bitiya Card’ at Rani Laxmi Bai Mahila Bhawan, Sector 38. The event was attended by Sh. Anup Gupta, City Mayor, Nitin Kumar Yadav, IAS, Adviser to the Administrator, Chandigarh, Anindita Mitra, IAS, Commissioner, Municipal Corporation, Chandigarh, Ajay Dutta, National Chairman of SEWA, and P.K. Sharma, President of Bharat Vikas Parishad, along with MCC councilors, prominent city figures, and beneficiaries of the scheme.
Addressing the gathering, the Governor commended the efforts of Municipal Corporation Chandigarh and BVP for their joint initiative, launching the ‘Bitiya Card’ under Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Urban Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NULM). He highlighted the organizations’ plans to work extensively at the grassroots level, ensuring that identified beneficiaries receive support for health, well-being, and socio-cultural upliftment through holistic development. This includes financial support for continuing education, organizing mass marriages for the poor and marginalized community, and addressing other community needs.
City Mayor Anup Gupta emphasized that, specifically under the ‘Beti Bachao Beti Padhao’ campaign, both organizations aim to support SHG members and their girl children. This support includes free education and assistance until 10+2, free medical check-ups, and specialized consultations. Additionally, the initiative will organize mass marriage functions for eligible girls from SHG families.
Anindita Mitra, IAS, Commissioner of Municipal Corporation Chandigarh, welcomed the dignitaries and provided details about the scheme. She explained that the DAY-NULM, implemented by MCC, includes the Social Mobilization & Institutional Development (SM&ID) component, focusing on mobilizing urban poor households to form institutions for effective and sustainable poverty reduction. Currently, over 5000 urban poor women have been mobilized into 530+ Self Help Groups, receiving Rs. 38.40 Lakhs as a revolving fund.
Ajay Dutta, National Chairman of SEWA, Bharat Vikas Parishad, highlighted BVP’s commitment to social service and philanthropy, supporting health, education, and mainstreaming urban poor for over 40 years. The organization sponsors over 700 poor students annually, providing support for stationary, books, and uniforms. Under health and well-being, BVP operates a charitable medical center in Chandigarh, serving more than 1500 individuals daily.