Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday reiterated the government’s commitment to keep empowering the girl child and ensure a wide range of opportunities for her.
He said that their feats will continue to inspire the nation.
While lauding the achievements of the girl child on National Girl Child Day, he posted on X, "Today, on National Girl Child Day, we reiterate our commitment to keep empowering the girl child and ensure a wide range of opportunities for her. India is proud of the accomplishments of the girl child across all fields. Their feats continue to inspire us all."
He said the government has focused on many sectors that help empower the girl child. "Our Government has focused on sectors like education, technology, skills, healthcare etc. which have contributed to empowering the girl child. We are equally resolute in ensuring no discrimination happens against the girl child," PM Modi further said in the post.
Every year, the day of 24th January is marked with great pomp as National Girl Child Day, commemorating the day when rights of education and well-being of the girls would come to the limelight.
Union Ministry of Women and Child Development has been instrumental in introducing the celebration of National Girl Child Day in 2008, to heighten the relevance of girls and build an ambiance without the restriction of gender differences.
According to a government press release, National Girl Child Day is an opportunity to raise awareness regarding the rights of girls and to ensure that girls are given equal opportunities and support, free from gender biases.
The day seeks to highlight inequalities faced by girls, promote education for them, and encourage society to value and respect girls as equals.
A key focus is on changing societal attitudes toward girls, including issues like female foeticide, raising awareness regarding the declining sex ratio, and fostering a more inclusive and equitable environment for the girl child," the release said.
The Modi government launched its flagship scheme, 'Beti Bachao Beti Padhao' (Save daughters, educate daughters), in 2015 to improve the child sex ratio and empower girls through various means.
In turn, the girl child is seen as a representative of all her siblings. Such challenges as issues of child marriages, female foeticide, and denial to education and proper healthcare facilities in childhood have challenged girl children of this nation from long time.
Thus, on one hand, creating a dialogue through National Girl Child Day can seek for solutions to rectify such shortcomings.
It reminds everyone of the importance of girls' empowerment and an environment of equality and opportunity. The government is actively working to eliminate gender disparities, promote education, and ensure the health and well-being of girls through various initiatives, policies, and awareness campaigns.
All these efforts brighten up individual lives and create more inclusive and progressive societies. Recognizing every girl child's potential is a step toward shaping the brighter and more equitable future in store for all of us.