Amid BJP's 'Emergency-Part 2' Jab, Kamal Nath Govt Withdraws Controversial Sterilisation Diktat

Amid raging debate, the Kamal Nath government rolled back the controversial sterilisation diktat on Friday. The development came after the circular by the state government went viral on social media. “If health workers failed to mobilise even one person to go for sterilization, they could face a no work, no pay deal or could be forced to retire,” the order said. According to the February 11 order, it was compulsory for the health workers to ‘mobilise five to 10 men to go for sterilisation each year.’ Earlier in the day, the state health minister had said that the order will be reviewed. However, now the Kamal Nath government has completely scrapped the order. 

On sterilization target, Madhya Pradesh Minister PC Sharma had said that, “this is routine order. Such orders were issued during BJP rule too. There is growing awareness these days among people that small family is happy family. No worker will be put under pressure.” BJP slammed Kamal Nath with Emergency jab. 

"No one will be forced to be sterilized. No one is losing jobs and we are just spreading awareness. I will not let anything which can hurt you happen," Madhya Pradesh Health Minister Tulsi Silawat was quoted as saying by NDTV. Sterilization programme has a dark history with the Congress party. Then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s son Sanjay Gandhi had launched the ‘nasbandi’ programme during the 1975 Emergency period. Sanjay Gandhi lost Amethi in the post-Emergency polls in 1977 due to anger against sterilization.

Sterilization programme has a dark history with the Congress party. Then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s son Sanjay Gandhi had launched the ‘nasbandi’ programme during the 1975 Emergency period. Sanjay Gandhi lost Amethi in the post-Emergency polls in 1977 due to anger against sterilization. Chief Minister Kamal Nath was considered to be a close associate of Sanjay Gandhi. ‘6.2 million men were sterilised in just a year, which was "15 times the number of people sterilised by the Nazis, s BBC report quoted science journalist Mara Hvistendahl as saying.