Pratapgarh- Led by District Collector Dr. Anjali Rajoria, the 'Mission Babul Ki Bitiya' campaign has been initiated in the tribal-dominated district of Pratapgarh. A large-scale survey began on February 10 to identify and support single women. The main goal of this initiative is to provide government scheme benefits to women abandoned by their husbands but not legally recognized as deserted or divorced.

As part of this mission, surveyors are visiting homes to personally assess and assist these women. The district administration has engaged Anganwadi workers, ASHA facilitators, and Sathins to ensure the survey is conducted thoroughly and sensitively. These female field workers will interact with single women in rural areas, understand their challenges, and help them access government welfare schemes.

Block Development Officers (BDOs) are responsible for completing the survey within a week to ten days, though logistical challenges in remote areas may require more time. The district administration has also requested police assistance to gather data on divorce and domestic dispute cases, ensuring comprehensive documentation of affected women. Furthermore, officials have been instructed to verify the collected data and help eligible women apply for relevant welfare schemes.

Survey teams have been directed to use a targeted approach, dedicating enough time to each woman and completing the survey within the set timeframe.

The Genesis of the Campaign

In an exclusive conversation with The Mooknayak, District Collector Anjali Rajoria shared that the inspiration for this campaign stemmed from a personal experience. During a recent visit to Ramer Talab village in the Dhariyawad block, where she met young viral cricket sensation Sushila Meena, she encountered a deeply moving case.

"During a night meeting (Ratri Chaupal), a woman shared her plight—her husband had abandoned her, leaving her to struggle for survival. She was unable to afford coaching for her highly talented son due to financial constraints. Her story resonated deeply with me, making me realize that many women face similar hardships but remain excluded from government welfare programs," said Rajoria.

Rajasthan has schemes such as the Palanhar Yojana and widow pensions that provide financial aid to women. However, the absence of a dedicated database for single women has resulted in many being left out of these benefits. "This realization led to the conception of Mission Babul Ki Bitiya, and just last week, I issued orders to initiate the survey, which officially commenced on Monday," she added.

The Social and Economic Struggles of Single Women

In tribal-dominated regions like Pratapgarh, single women often face immense challenges in supporting their families and children. The prevalent social customs allow men and women to remarry without legal divorce, often compensating or, in some cases, abandoning their first wives without any financial support.

This leaves many women in a state of helplessness, shouldering the burden of their families alone. Until now, there has been no official effort to identify such women. This survey aims to create a formal record of married women who have been left to fend for themselves, with or without children, and to equip them with the necessary support for self-reliance and empowerment.

Dr. Rajoria emphasized that this campaign is not merely about data collection but also about raising awareness among single women regarding their rights and available opportunities.

"Once the data is compiled, we will work towards ensuring tailored solutions for each identified woman. Those entangled in legal battles over divorce will receive assistance through legal aid, those seeking education will be provided learning opportunities, and those aspiring for financial independence will be linked to employment through schemes like MNREGA or contractual jobs. Additionally, efforts will be made to secure maintenance allowances for women abandoned by their husbands or children," she explained.

Following the survey, the district administration plans to collaborate with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to extend legal aid, vocational training, education, and business development support to these women.

Field Insights and the Social Stigma of Single Motherhood

On Monday, as part of the campaign's progress review, District Collector Rajoria personally visited several single women in Kherot village and learned about their hardships firsthand. Conversations during the survey revealed that numerous women were neither cohabiting with their husbands nor legally divorced, disqualifying them from availing of government assistance like maintenance allowances and the Palanhar scheme.

In response, Rajoria issued directives ensuring that if a woman has been living separately from her husband for over three years without a legal divorce, she can obtain a desertion certificate issued by the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) upon recommendation by the village Sarpanch and Gram Vikas Adhikari.

She further stated that if a woman wishes to formalize her status, legal assistance will be provided to facilitate the issuance of the desertion certificate in accordance with legal protocols.

Citing a real-life case, Rajoria narrated, “Just today, a woman confided in me that after being abandoned by her husband, she moved in with her maternal family. However, tragedy struck when her only brother passed away due to a heart attack. With neither her husband nor maternal family to support her, she has been left entirely alone. Imagine the plight of such women—where do they turn when every support system collapses? Mission Babul Ki Bitiya aims to be their lifeline, offering not only financial aid but also legal and social protection."

The Collector also highlighted the deep-seated social stigma against single mothers, stating that they are often viewed as a disgrace and subjected to ostracization. “Many abandoned women are excluded from family events like weddings, and society frequently seeks to exploit their vulnerability. Beyond this, their financial instability further exacerbates their struggles,” she added.

Post-Survey Roadmap and Future Interventions

Once the survey is complete, the district administration will take proactive steps to connect these women with various government and non-government initiatives. The planned interventions include:

• Legal Assistance: Free legal consultations and support in divorce and maintenance cases.

• Livelihood Opportunities: Encouraging self-employment, entrepreneurship, and skill development to promote financial independence.

• Education and Training: Providing education and vocational training to interested women.

• Financial Aid: Ensuring that deserted and widowed women receive benefits from relevant government schemes.

The administration is working on a timeline to ensure that the maximum number of women benefit from this campaign before International Women’s Day on March 8.