New Delhi, Jan 24 (UNI) The Women and Child Development (WCD) Ministry celebrated the National Girl Child Day (NGCD) on Thursday, at Pravasi Bharti Kendra here.
The celebrations also marked the anniversary of 'Beti Bachao Beti Padhao' (BBBP) scheme.
'The theme of this NGCD is 'Empowering Girls for a Brighter Tomorrow' and celebrating with objectives of generating awareness on the issue of declining Child Sex Ratio (CSR) and creating a positive environment around valuing the girl child,' an official statement of the ministry said here.
WCD Minister Maneka Sanjay Gandhi was the Chief Guest, while WCD Minister of State Virendra Kumar was the Guest of Honour for the event.
Kavita Jain, Haryana Minister for Women and Child Development, among other dignitaries, was also present.
Congratulating the award-winning states and districts on the occasion, Ms Gandhi said in the last four years, the Ministry has managed to change the mindset of people towards the girl child.
'With combined efforts of the states and the Centre, the Ministry has been successful in implementing One Stop Centres, Panic Button, measures of cancelling passports of NRI marriages and stopping Sexual Harassment of Women at Work Place,' she said.
The Minister thanked the efforts of all the stakeholders in making it possible.
'Beti Bachao Beti Padhao' has been one of the most successful programmes of the Government, Ms Gandhi added.
Secretary, WCD Rakesh Srivastav highlighted the achievements under the BBBP and steps being taken for all-round development of the girl child.
A booklet on 'Innovations under BBBP' was also released on the occasion, the statement said.
'The Ministry has compiled 38 Innovative Activities from districts across the country, to set an example for the remaining districts. These interventions have been categorised according to five themes, which are Survival, Protection, Education, Participation and Valuing Girls,' it further said.
The occasion also marked the felicitation of the five states and 25 districts under the BBBP scheme, for their exemplary performance.
UNI PY RJ 1836