BHOPAL: A controversy has erupted in MP’s Dindori district following reports of pregnancy tests being conducted on some beneficiaries of Mukhya Mantri Kanya Vivah Yojana. District collector Vikas Mishra did not deny it but explained the pregnancies were detected while screening for sickle cell anaemia.
“During tests for sickle cell anaemia, which is done as per norms in these parts, five beneficiaries told the doctors thatthey have missed their menstrual cycles. The doctors then did urine tests and all five were found to be pregnant. Since it was reported by doctors, those beneficiaries were not allowed to participate in the mass marriage. They were not asked for pregnancy tests — rather, it was a conversation between them and doctors that led to tests. Marriage of remaining 219 couples was done at the venue,” Mishra told TOI.
One of the five beneficiaries who was not allowed to participate in the mass marriagetold local reporters, “I was told that all my tests were completed and I should prepare for marriage but my name was not on the list. For the past five months, I have been living with the man I wanted to marry. I was found pregnant during medical tests, so my name was not on the list. ”
State Congress chief and former CM Kamal Nath on Sunday demanded a “high-level probe” into this. “There are reports of pregnancy tests conducted on 200 women, who participated in the mass marriage held under ‘CM Kanyadan Yojana’ in Dindori district. I want to know from the chief minister if this is true. If it’s true, on whose behest were women subjected to such an outrageous insult? Don’t womenfrom poor and tribal communities have any honour in the eyes of the CM?” he tweeted.
Nath remarked that MP is already on top in cases of atrocities against women under the current government. “Strict action must be taken against those found guilty. It’s not an issue limited to pregnancy tests alone but reflects the misogynistic attitude towards women,” he added.
Under the scheme, couples are given cash benefits and items of domestic use at mass marriage ceremonies.
“During tests for sickle cell anaemia, which is done as per norms in these parts, five beneficiaries told the doctors thatthey have missed their menstrual cycles. The doctors then did urine tests and all five were found to be pregnant. Since it was reported by doctors, those beneficiaries were not allowed to participate in the mass marriage. They were not asked for pregnancy tests — rather, it was a conversation between them and doctors that led to tests. Marriage of remaining 219 couples was done at the venue,” Mishra told TOI.
One of the five beneficiaries who was not allowed to participate in the mass marriagetold local reporters, “I was told that all my tests were completed and I should prepare for marriage but my name was not on the list. For the past five months, I have been living with the man I wanted to marry. I was found pregnant during medical tests, so my name was not on the list. ”
State Congress chief and former CM Kamal Nath on Sunday demanded a “high-level probe” into this. “There are reports of pregnancy tests conducted on 200 women, who participated in the mass marriage held under ‘CM Kanyadan Yojana’ in Dindori district. I want to know from the chief minister if this is true. If it’s true, on whose behest were women subjected to such an outrageous insult? Don’t womenfrom poor and tribal communities have any honour in the eyes of the CM?” he tweeted.
Nath remarked that MP is already on top in cases of atrocities against women under the current government. “Strict action must be taken against those found guilty. It’s not an issue limited to pregnancy tests alone but reflects the misogynistic attitude towards women,” he added.
Under the scheme, couples are given cash benefits and items of domestic use at mass marriage ceremonies.