Balaghat (Madhya Pradesh): A 40-year-old Baiga woman, Sulkan Bai, from Bagholi village in Paraswada block, gave birth to her 10th child, a healthy baby girl, on January 22 at the district hospital's trauma center. Both mother and daughter are under special care and are reported to be in good health.
Belonging to the Baiga community, which is protected under special provisions by the central government, Sulkan Bai was denied sterilization at a government hospital in Baihar earlier due to her tribal status. The Baiga caste is safeguarded to preserve its population, and sterilization is not encouraged among them.
Sulkan Bai, who was married at a young age, had two children before seeking sterilization. Her request was refused, and she now has 10 children, including four sons and five daughters, with one set of twins.
Living in poverty, Sulkan Bai and her illiterate husband support their large family through labor work.
She claims to have received no benefits from government schemes. Dr. Manoj Pandey, Chief Medical and Health Officer, clarified that sterilization can be performed if Baiga women opt for it voluntarily. The case highlights the challenges faced by tribal communities in accessing healthcare and family planning services.
