"Gender equality basis of true progress": Mallikarjun Kharge on National Girl Child Day

New Delhi [India], January 24 : Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Friday extended wishews on the occasion of National Girl Child Day saying that "gender equality is the basis of true progress."
Kharge further stated that observance of National Girl Child Day is a reminder to rededicate ourselves towards ending gender discrimination and providing every girl with the opportunities she deserves.
Taking to X, Kharge wrote, "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 NationalGirlChildDay 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."
https://x.com/kharge/status/1882627130648932627
National Girl Child Day, celebrated every year on January 24 in India, 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.
According to an official release from the Ministry of Women and Child Development, 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 gender biases. The day also seeks to highlight the inequalities faced by girls, promote education for them and 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 well-being but also for the overall advancement of society. In particular, recognizing 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 penalizing those involved. The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, addresses child abuse, with updated rules in 2020 to enhance its implementation. 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 program provide mental health and medical care. Together, these efforts foster a secure environment, promoting the rights and well-being of girls in India.
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 well-being of girls across the nation. These efforts not only uplift individual lives but also contribute to building a more inclusive and progressive society. Recognizing the potential of every girl child is a step toward shaping a brighter and more equitable future for all.