Blitz Bureau
National Girl Child Day, celebrated every year in the country on January 24, is a significant occasion dedicated to highlighting 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 the importance of empowering girls and creating an environment where they can thrive without the barriers of gender discrimination.
The National Girl Child Day is an opportunity to raise awareness about the rights of girls and ensure they are provided with equal opportunities and support, free from genderbiases. The day also seeks to highlight the inequalities faced by girls, promote education for themand encourage society to value and respect girls as equals.
A key focus is on changing societal attitudes towards girls, addressing issues like female foeticide,raising awareness about the declining sex ratio and fostering a more inclusive and equitable environment for the girl child. Ensuring the holistic growth of girls is crucial not only for their individual wellbeing but also for the overall advancement of society.In particular, recognising and upholding the rights and opportunities of girls is essential for building a more equitable future.
Furthermore, the legal measures to empower and protect the girl child include several key initiatives. The Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006, aims to eliminate child marriage by penalising those involved. The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, addresses child abuse, with updated rules in 2020 to enhance its implementation.
Legal measures
The Juvenile Justice Act, 2015, ensures the care and protection of children in need. Mission Vatsalya focuses on child development and protection, with services like the Child Helpline and the Track Child Portal to assist missing children. Track Child Portal has been made functional since the year 2012.
This portal facilitates the matching of ‘missing’ children being reported at police stations with those ‘found’ children who are residing in the Child Care Institutions (CCIs). The PM CARES for Children Scheme supports children orphaned by Covid-19. Additionally,collaborations with NIMHANS and E-SAMPARK programme provide mental health and medical care. Together, these efforts foster a secure environment, promoting the rights and wellbeing of girls in the country.
Equal opportunity
The National Girl Child Day serves as a vital reminder of the importance of empowering girls and fostering an environment of equality and opportunity. Through various initiatives, policies, and awareness campaigns, the Government is actively working to eliminate gender disparities, promote education, and ensure the health and wellbeing of girls across the nation. These efforts not only uplift individual lives but also contribute to building a more inclusive and progressive society. Recognising the potential of every girl child is a step toward shaping a brighter and more equitable future for all.
