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National Girl Child Day

Context:

National Girl Child Day, observed annually on January 24, in India aimed at promoting the rights, education, and welfare of girls.

  • It was Launched in 2008 by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, the day seeks to raise awareness about the challenges faced by girls and empower them to achieve their full potential.
  • It emphasizes the need for gender equality, better health and education, and protection against discrimination and violence.
  • The Economic Survey 2023-24 reported an improvement in the national sex ratio at birth, rising from 918 girls per 1,000 boys in 2014-15 to 930 in 2023-24 (provisional), according to data from the Health Management Information System (HMIS) of the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.

Initiatives for Girl Child Development

  • NPS Vatsalya Scheme
  • It was Launched on September 18, 2024, by the finance minister, the NPS Vatsalya Scheme is a new pension plan for children aged 0 to 18 years.
  • Parents can contribute a minimum of ₹1,000 per month with no maximum limit. The account is managed by the parents until the child turns 18, after which it will be in the child’s name.
  • Once the child reaches 18, the account can be converted into a regular NPS or a non-NPS scheme.
  • It is regulated by the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority of India (PFRDA).
  • Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana
  • It was Launched in 2015 as part of the ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’ campaign, this scheme helps parents save for their daughter’s education and marriage.
  • Parents of girls aged 10 or younger can invest, with a minimum annual deposit of ₹250 and a maximum of ₹1.5 lakh.
  • The scheme has a 15-year deposit period, but the account matures after 21 years.
  • Mission Poshan 2.0
    • It was launched by Finance Minister Ms. Nirmala Sitharaman in February 2021
    • The government prioritizes malnutrition and implemented Mission Poshan 2.0, which includes key schemes like POSHAN Abhiyaan, Anganwadi Services, SakshamAnganwadi and the Scheme for Adolescent Girls to tackle malnutrition directly.
  • This Mission Poshan 2.0 focuses on improving nutrition for children, adolescent girls, pregnant women, and lactating mothers.
  • It aims to promote better health and immunity through dietary diversity, food fortification, and the consumption of millet. The scheme uses technology (e.g., the ‘Poshan Tracker’) to monitor and manage nutritional services.
  • CBSE Udaan Scheme
  • It was Launched in 2014, this scheme, aimed at addressing the low enrollment of girl students in prestigious engineering institutions and bridging the gap between school education and engineering entrance examinations.
  • It encourages girls’ participation in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields. The CBSE offers free tutorials to class 11 and 12 students to help them prepare for engineering entrance exams like JEE.
  • Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP)
  • It was Launched in 2015, BBBP aims to improve the child-sex ratio and empower girls by addressing gender biases.
  • It focuses on increasing girls’ school attendance, providing better infrastructure, and stopping sex-selective abortions.
  • It is implemented by states with 100% central assistance. 
  • Scheme for Promotion of Menstrual Hygiene among Adolescent Girls in Rural India
  • This scheme focuses on enhancing menstrual hygiene practices for girls aged 10-19 in rural areas, as part of a broader approach to Adolescent Reproductive Sexual Health since 2011.
  • Child Protection Services Scheme
  • Under this scheme institutional care is provided through Child Care Institutes (CCIs), as a rehabilitative measure for supporting the children in difficult circumstances.
  • Under the non-institutional care component of the scheme, support is extended for adoption, foster care and sponsorship.
  • Further CPS also provides for “Aftercare” services after the age of 18 years to help sustain them during the transition from institutional to independent life.
  • POSHAN Abhiyaan
  • It was launched on 8th March, 2018 and aims to address malnutrition issues across the nation through components like ICT Application, Convergence, Community Mobilization, Behavioural Change & Jan Andolan, Capacity Building, Incentives and Awards, and Innovations.

Legal measures and other measures to protect and empower the girl child

  • Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006: Aims to eliminate child marriage by penalizing offenders.
  • POCSO Act, 2012: Addresses child sexual abuse, with updated rules in 2020 to strengthen enforcement.
  • Juvenile Justice Act, 2015: Ensures care and protection for children in need.
  • Mission Vatsalya: Focuses on child development and protection, offering services like the Child Helpline and Track Child Portal for missing children.
  • Mental Health: Collaborations with NIMHANS and the E-SAMPARK program provide mental health and medical care, creating a secure environment that promotes the rights and well-being of girls in India.
                                                     International Day of the Girl Child
It is observed annually on October 11 and was established by the United Nations to promote gender equality, education, and healthcare, while advocating for the rights of girls worldwide.The day aims to inspire global action toward a more inclusive and equitable future for girls. In 2024, the theme, “Girls’ Vision for the Future”, emphasized the urgent need for action and the power of girls’ voices, focusing on their hopes, dreams, and vision for a better tomorrow.  

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