A Commitment to Girls’ Rights and Progress
National Girl Child Day 2025: Empowering India’s Daughters for a Brighter Tomorrow: Observed annually on January 24, National Girl Child Day stands as a national commitment to supporting the growth, dignity, and rights of girls across India. Introduced in 2008 by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, this day not only celebrates girlhood but also advocates for eliminating gender-based discrimination and promoting equal opportunities.
The Significance of January 24
This date marks a historic moment when Indira Gandhi became India’s first woman Prime Minister. The choice reflects the potential of Indian women and reminds the nation of the social, educational, and economic challenges girls still face. These include early marriages, limited educational access, gender violence, and health disparities.
Government Programs Fueling Change
Multiple welfare schemes have been established to uplift girl children:
- Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao promotes gender equality and girls’ education while improving the child sex ratio.
- Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana encourages savings for girls’ future education and marriage expenses.
- State-level programs like Balika Samriddhi Yojana, Mukhyamantri Kanya Suraksha Yojana, and Ladli Lakshmi Yojana provide financial assistance and reduce school dropouts among girls.
Legal Measures Ensuring Safety and Rights
India has enforced several laws to protect and empower girls:
- Prohibition of Child Marriage Act (2006) addresses underage marriage practices.
- POCSO Act (2012) provides a legal framework against sexual crimes involving minors.
- The Juvenile Justice Act (2015) ensures justice and care for children in conflict or need.
- Under Mission Vatsalya, tools like the Track Child Portal and Child Helpline 1098 are in place to support lost, trafficked, or vulnerable children.
Fighting Gender Bias Through Law
To prevent gender-selective practices, the Pre-natal Diagnostic Techniques (PNDT) Act of 1994 (amended 2002) prohibits using diagnostic methods for identifying a baby’s sex. Simultaneously, the MTP Act allows for medically justified abortions but bans any termination motivated by sex selection, even in the case of genetic risks.
Static GK Snapshot
National Girl Child Day 2025: Empowering India’s Daughters for a Brighter Tomorrow:
| Topic | Details |
| Launch Year | 2008 (By Ministry of Women and Child Development) |
| Observance Date | January 24 |
| Major Schemes | Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana |
| Legal Acts | PNDT Act 1994 (Amended 2002), POCSO Act 2012 |
| 2011 Sex Ratio | 943 females per 1000 males |
| 2036 Projected Sex Ratio | 952 females per 1000 males |
| Child Safety Tools | Track Child Portal, Child Helpline 1098 |
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