New Delhi [India]: Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Friday extended his wishes on the occasion of National Girl Child Day, emphasizing that “gender equality is the basis of true progress.”
Gender equality is the basis of true progress.
— Mallikarjun Kharge (@kharge) January 24, 2025
Congress-UPA established National Girl Child Day in 2008, rooted in India's constitutional principles.
Let the observance of #NationalGirlChildDay become a reminder to rededicate ourselves towards ending gender discrimination and… pic.twitter.com/TZsqjYO3ol
Kharge took to X to share his message, saying, “Gender equality is the basis of true progress. Congress-UPA established National Girl Child Day in 2008, rooted in India’s constitutional principles. Let the observance of National Girl Child Day become a reminder to rededicate ourselves towards ending gender discrimination and providing every girl with the opportunities she deserves—education, healthcare, safety, and proper nutrition.”
Celebrated annually on January 24, National Girl Child Day is a significant occasion dedicated to highlighting the rights, education, and welfare of girls. Initiated by the Ministry of Women and Child Development in 2008, the day aims to raise awareness about the importance of empowering girls and creating a supportive environment free from gender discrimination.
In a statement, the Ministry of Women and Child Development explained that National Girl Child Day is a chance to raise awareness about the rights of girls, ensuring they receive equal opportunities without gender bias. The day also seeks to highlight the inequalities faced by girls, promote their education, and encourage society to value and respect girls as equals.
A major focus of the day is on changing societal attitudes towards girls, addressing issues like female foeticide, raising awareness about the declining sex ratio, and fostering an inclusive environment for the girl child. Promoting the holistic growth of girls is crucial not just for their well-being but also for the overall advancement of society. Ensuring equal opportunities for girls is key to building a more equitable future.
To protect and empower the girl child, several legal initiatives are in place. These include the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006, the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, and the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015. Programs such as Mission Vatsalya and the PM CARES for Children Scheme, which supports children orphaned by COVID-19, aim to safeguard children and promote their development.
The Track Child Portal, launched in 2012, has been instrumental in matching missing children with those found and housed in child care institutions. Collaborations with NIMHANS and the E-SAMPARK program also provide mental health and medical care for children in need.
National Girl Child Day serves as a vital reminder of the importance of empowering girls, advocating for their rights, and ensuring they have the same opportunities as their male counterparts. Through policies, initiatives, and awareness campaigns, the government is actively working to eliminate gender disparities, promote education, and ensure the well-being of girls across India. These efforts contribute to the creation of a more inclusive and progressive society.