India Celebrates National Girl Child Day on January 24 to Empower Young Girls and Promote Gender Equality
New Delhi [date], January 24, 2025 - India observed the 17th National Girl Child Day today to raise awareness about the challenges faced by girls in the country and advocate for their rights and welfare. The day was initiated by the Ministry of Women and Child Development in 2008 with the aim of creating a society where girls can thrive without gender discrimination.
According to reports, the government schemes launched under National Girl Child Day have made significant progress in empowering girls. These initiatives include Sukanya Samriddhi Yojan, Balika Samriddhi Yojan, Nanda Devi Kanya Yojana, and Mukhyamantri Kanya Suraksha Yojana.
The day also highlights the laws that protect children in India, including the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006, Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, Juvenile Justice Act, 2015, and PM CARES for Children Scheme. These enactments have helped to eliminate child marriage, prevent child abuse, care for children in need, and support children who are orphaned by COVID-19.
The sex ratio at birth is projected to increase from 943 in 2011 to 952 by 2036, indicating a positive trend towards gender equality.
The National Girl Child Day also coincides with the achievements of girls and women across India. The day serves as a reminder for progress made in women's empowerment and the ongoing struggle for gender equality.
On this occasion, there have been several initiatives and schemes launched to support girl children in India. These include CBSE Udaan Schem, Majhi Kanya Bhagyashree Schem, Beti Bachao, Beti Padha, Ladli Lakshmi Yojana, Mukhyamantri Rajshri Yojana.
Timeline of National Girl Child Day 2025
- 2008: The Ministry of Women and Child Development launched the first National Girl Child Day on January 24 to raise awareness about the challenges faced by girls in India.
- 2011: The Report of the Technical Group on Population Projections for India and States indicates that India's population is expected to be more feminine compared to the 2006 population.
Significance of National Girl Child Day
National Girl Child Day is celebrated annually on January 24 with the aim of empowering young girls in India.