The Centre has decided to give an active role to the local government bodies in its fight against female foeticide.

Tribal Affairs and Panchayat Raj Minister Kishore Chandra Deo told reporters in New Delhi that his ministry has initiated an action plan for curbing the inhuman practice of female foeticide with the help of gram panchayats.

Explaining the nature of the plan, he said that during the last one year, the elected representatives have been given training on two issues, Firstly, sensitivity towards the problems faced by women and children and secondly, awareness of the social programmes introduced to address these problems.

He said that the Panchayati Raj Ministry has also started organising special Gram Sabhas across the country to address social problems.

The minister added,the states have also been advised to video record proceedings of Gram Sabhas to enhance transparency.