Recently, the Rajasthan Government has increased the incentive under "Mukhbir Yojana" (Informer Scheme) with the aim to prevent female foeticide. What is the increased incentive?

Correct option is C

Ans. (c)
The Rajasthan Government has increased the incentive under the "Mukhbir Yojana" (Informer Scheme) from ₹2.5 lakhs to ₹3 lakhs to combat female foeticide in the state.
Key Features of the Scheme:
1. Objective: To prevent female foeticide by encouraging individuals to provide information about illegal sex determination practices.
2. PCPNDT Cell: The Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) cell verifies the received information and conducts decoy operations to catch those involved in sex determination.
3. Incentive Distribution:
· ₹3 lakh is distributed in two installments.
· Beneficiaries include the informer, the decoy pregnant woman, and her companion involved in the decoy operation.
4. Enhanced Role of Pregnant Woman: Special emphasis has been placed on safeguarding the woman and compensating her for her crucial role in the operation.
Information Booster:
1. The Mukhbir Yojana was introduced to strictly implement the PCPNDT Act, 1994, which prohibits sex determination and selection.
2. Earlier, the incentive was ₹2.5 lakh, disbursed in three installments.
3. The scheme's success depends on active public participation to curb illegal practices and protect the girl child.
4. Female foeticide significantly impacts the sex ratio and is a violation of fundamental rights.
5. Rajasthan has been a focus area due to its historical challenges in improving the child sex ratio (CSR).
Additional Knowledge:
· PCPNDT Act, 1994: Enacted to prevent sex determination during prenatal diagnostics.
· Decoy Operations: Secretive methods to catch those involved in illegal practices related to sex determination.
· Sex Ratio in Rajasthan (2021): 927 females per 1000 males (indicative of gradual improvement).