NEW DELHI, Jan 24: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday reaffirmed the government’s dedication to empowering the girl child and ensuring equal opportunities for girls across the nation. In a message shared on X, he praised the achievements of girls, stating, “India is proud of the accomplishments of the girl child across all fields. Their feats continue to inspire us all.”
PM Modi highlighted that the government has made substantial efforts to empower the girl child, focusing on sectors such as education, technology, skills, and healthcare. He further emphasized, “We are equally resolute in ensuring no discrimination happens against the girl child.”
National Girl Child Day, observed annually on January 24, is a key occasion for raising awareness about the rights, education, and welfare of girls. The initiative was launched in 2008 by the Union Ministry of Women and Child Development to shed light on the importance of empowering girls and creating an environment where they can thrive without facing gender-based barriers.
According to a government press release, National Girl Child Day provides an opportunity to emphasize the rights of girls and ensure they have access to equal opportunities, free from gender biases. The day also aims to raise awareness about the inequalities faced by girls, promote education, and encourage society to value and respect girls as equals.
A primary goal of National Girl Child Day is to address critical issues like female foeticide, the declining sex ratio, and societal attitudes toward girls. The press release noted that fostering an inclusive and equitable environment for the girl child is central to the observance of the day.
In 2015, the Modi government launched its flagship initiative, ‘Beti Bachao Beti Padhao’ (Save daughters, educate daughters), designed to improve the child sex ratio and empower girls through a range of measures.
National Girl Child Day also serves as a platform to discuss and address the many challenges faced by girls, including child marriage, lack of access to education, and inadequate healthcare. The day encourages dialogue aimed at finding solutions to these pressing issues.
The observance of National Girl Child Day is a vital reminder of the importance of empowering girls and fostering equality. Through ongoing initiatives, policies, and awareness campaigns, the government continues to work towards eliminating gender disparities and ensuring the health and well-being of girls across India.
These efforts not only uplift individual lives but also contribute to building a more inclusive and progressive society. Recognizing the potential of every girl child is a key step in creating a brighter, more equitable future for all.
