"In the previous project, which was funded by European Union, awareness level of the locals has already been elevated through various interaction programs. With the participation of stakeholders, targeted population was made aware that continuation of such practices could lead to jail terms," said Rudra Acharya, the then project coordinator of the campaign launched by VSS.
Local Development Officer Hari Pyakurel, who is also the district head of Chhaupadi Eradication Committee, said that lack of coordination is the reason behind the duplication. "It has been found that the present project against Chhupadi is being launched without coordinating with the District Development Committee (DDC)," he added.
However, chairman of Everest Club Dillip Kumar Shahi claimed that they launched the project in the area as previous campaign against Chhaupadi in the area was not successful and that the present project, which he claimed is very organized, will avoid mistakes done by the earlier one.
"Although those VDCs have been declared free from Chhaupadi system, we will again reach every village and raise the awareness level," said Shahi. Tolijaisi, Singasain, Sigaudi, Tilepata, Lakhandra, Santalla, Pipalkot and Rakam Karnali VDCs have already been declared free from Chhaupadi system.
Related story
Campaign to dismantle Chhaupadi sheds launched in Kanchanpur
