Three-tier governments in Surkhet have pledged to coordinate efforts among themselves to eradicate the malpractice Chaudpadi and demolish Chaugoth.
Chaupadi is a tradition mostly prevailing in the mid-western and far-western part of the country during which the menstruating women are ousted from their house during their period and Chaugoth are the isolated shed where the menstruating women are housed during their period.
In a programme organized here by the Ministry of Women, Children and Senior Citizens and Ministry of Social Development of Karnali State, Minister for Women, Children and Senior Citizen Parbat Gurung said that the government has already taken measures to demolish the Chaugoth and urged the concerned authorities in the region to be mentally ready for the same.
Furthermore, Minister Gurung informed that three-tier of government would design a joint action-plan to launch the coordinated campaign against the drive mostly prevailing Karnali and Sudurpaschim provinces. "The campaign will be forwarded aggressively."
He also shared that a training centre will be established in Surkhet aiming to impart training among the women in this region.
State-Minister for Health and Population Nawaraj Rawat said that in western part of Surkhet, the locals had piled the pressure to put in place another system in place of Chaugoth.
According to him, those women forced to shelter in shed during their period could not enter their home during their period following the demolish of such huts.
Rawat ensured," Irrespective of pressure or threat coming in over against the government’s drive to demolish Chaugoth, the government will enable the environment wherein all the person and women could live with dignity."
Likewise, Attorney General Agni Kharel warned action against those forcing women to shelter in Chuagoth and those sheltering themselves in such sheds. He also cautioned that those practicing Chaupaadi would be brought to book as Chaupadi is criminalized by Nepal.
Inspector General of Police (IGP) Sarbendra Khanal shared that a total of 4,600 Chaugoth were diminished in Karnali province so far. "We are staunchly implementing the laws against Chaupadi and child marriage, " he said, warning stern action against those not complying with the laws.