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Empowering futures: Daughter Insurance program in Bharatpur sees rapid enrollment growth amidst efforts for gender equality

Photo: Bharatpur Metropolitan City

Chitwan: Bharatpur Metropolitan City’s daughter insurance program is making significant strides, with 891 daughters enrolled to date.

The initiative covers daughters born to permanent residents of Bharatpur in government hospitals or health facilities. According to Shanta Kumari Poudel, director of the Metropolis Health and Social Development Division, the enrollment statistics show growth: 338 girls were insured in the fiscal year 2079/80, 413 in 2080/81, and 140 in the current fiscal year.

The program involves the metropolitan city paying Rs 50,000 to the Rastriya Beema Company for each insurance policy over a span of 15 years. In return, the insurance company provides Rs 100,000 to the insured upon maturity. Poudel noted, “Currently, we are paying an annual renewal fee of Rs 3,327 for the insured daughters. This program aims to promote the message of equality among children and to combat the harmful practice of sex-selective abortion.”

In addition to the insurance initiative, Bharatpur Metropolitan City is implementing various programs focused on empowering girls through schools.