Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday extended greetings on the occasion of National Girl Child Day, emphasising that girls are not merely a responsibility but a source of strength and a powerful force in nation-building, as women increasingly lead India’s progress.
In a post on X, Shah said, “Greetings to everyone on National Girl Child Day. The day symbolises that girls are not merely our responsibilities but sheer strength. The glorious examples of Rani Lakshmi Bai, Rani Velu Nachiyar, Mula Gabharu and Pritilata Waddedar fill every Indian heart with pride and inspiration.”
Highlighting the role of women in India’s growth story, he added, “The Modi government’s mantra of women-led development has placed Nari Shakti at the forefront of progress, and today women are leading the nation’s development.”
National Girl Child Day is observed every year on January 24 in India to highlight the rights, education and welfare of girls. Initiated in 2008 by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, the day aims to raise awareness about empowering girls and creating an environment free from gender discrimination.
The observance seeks to promote awareness about girls’ rights, ensure equal opportunities and adequate support, and draw attention to challenges such as gender bias and inequality. It also encourages society to value and respect girls as equals.
A key focus of the initiative is to change societal attitudes by addressing issues such as female foeticide, declining sex ratio and discrimination, while fostering a more inclusive environment for the girl child.
Over the years, the government has launched several schemes to empower girls and improve their socio-economic status. Major programmes include Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana and the National Scheme of Incentives to Girls for Secondary Education.
The government has also strengthened legal frameworks to protect the girl child. The Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006, seeks to curb child marriage, while the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, addresses sexual abuse of children. The Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, ensures care and rehabilitation of children in need.
Mission Vatsalya focuses on child development and protection, offering services such as the Child Helpline and the Track Child Portal, which helps match missing children with those found in child care institutions.
The PM CARES for Children Scheme supports children orphaned during the COVID-19 pandemic. Collaborations with institutions such as NIMHANS and the E-SAMPARK programme provide mental health and medical support.
National Girl Child Day serves as a reminder of the importance of empowering girls and promoting equality. Through sustained initiatives, policies and awareness campaigns, efforts continue to reduce gender disparities and ensure the health, safety and well-being of girls across the country.
— IANS
