“Let us celebrate the birth of the girl child. We should be equally proud of our daughters.” - PM Narendra Modi
From limitations being imposed on the girl child to providing her with limitless opportunities to excel, the government has laid out a framework for fostering and enabling the Nari Shakti right from the moment of her birth. Through targeted efforts in the realms of sports and education health to defence and financial security, schemes have been instrumental in fostering a conducive environment for the holistic development of girls. In this article, we delve into key data points that underscore the transformative impact of various government initiatives on the empowerment of the girl child across diverse sectors.
This article provides a glimpse into some of the major efforts of the government that have enabled and empowered the young Nari to dream big and transcend her potential in her own unique way.
Breaking Barriers in Sports
The Tokyo Olympics of 2021 marked a historic moment for Indian women in sports. Out of the seven medals clinched, three proudly adorned the necks of women athletes. This achievement is a testament to the rigorous training provided under the Sports Promotional Schemes of the Sports Authority of India (SAI). A whopping 3,146 women athletes have benefited from these schemes, reflecting a paradigm shift in the recognition and support extended to women in the field of sports.
The "Sports for Women" component of the Khelo India Scheme further exemplifies the government's commitment to fostering female talent. Approximately Rs. 9.5 Crore has been released under this initiative, providing financial impetus to aspiring sportswomen and ensuring that gender is not a deterrent to pursuing excellence in sports.
Educating the Girl Child
Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) transcends being just a scheme; it's a clarion call to transform societal attitudes towards the girl child. By focusing on improving the child sex ratio, BBBP has succeeded in raising collective consciousness. The results are evident in the overall sex ratio, which has witnessed a commendable improvement from 943 females per 1000 males in 2011 to 1,020 females per 1000 males in 2022-23.
Education forms the cornerstone of empowerment, and government initiatives have been pivotal in enhancing the educational landscape for girls. The Gross Enrollment Ratio of girls at the secondary level has surged from 75.51% in 2014-15 to an encouraging 79.4% in 2021-22. Notably, the enrollment of 6.88 lakh girls in Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas (KGBVs) stands as a testament to the commitment to providing quality education to girls, ensuring that they have equal access to knowledge and opportunities. For the More than 14,500 PM SHRI Schools (PM Schools for Rising India) have been sanctioned
Ensuring Health, Hygiene and Dignity for Girls
Menstrual hygiene is a critical aspect of women's health, and the government's interventions have been pivotal in this regard. The sale of 35 crore sanitary napkins at a nominal cost of Re. 1 each through 10,000 Jan Aushadhi Kendras has not only made these essential products accessible but has also played a crucial role in ensuring hygiene and dignity for women and girls across the nation.
Steps are being taken to promote the establishment of exemplary educational institutions known as 'Swachh Vidyalayas.' The aim is to improve the availability of essential amenities such as drinking water, handwashing stations, toilets, and soap facilities within the school premises for both students and staff. Improving health and sanitation in schools has had a direct impact on the improvement in the Gross Enrollment Ratio and reduction in dropout rates of girls. Over 12.29 crore girls were enrolled in primary and higher secondary levels in 2021-22.
Girls in Defence
In a historic move, Sainik Schools, known for nurturing future defence personnel, have opened their doors to girls. This progressive step is breaking gender norms and providing equal opportunities for girls to pursue a career in defence. The move aligns with the broader vision of creating a more inclusive and diverse armed forces.
While addressing the NCC Rally at Cariappa Ground, PM Modi also noted the achievement of girls in the forces, “this a time of great possibilities, especially for the daughters of the country. Police and paramilitary forces have witnessed doubling of the number of women in the last 8 years. The path of women on the frontiers of all three armed forces has been paved.” He also mentioned the maiden recruitment of women as sailors in the Navy. Women have started entering combat roles in the armed forces and women cadets have started training at NDA, Pune. Additionally, Sainik Schools have admitted 1500 girls for the first time, and there has been a consistent increase in women's participation in the NCC over the last decade.
Financially Ensuring Her Future
Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana has emerged as a beacon of financial security for the girl child. With over 3.6 crore accounts and a cumulative savings of around Rs. 1.97 lakh crore, this scheme is instrumental in shaping a secure financial future for girls. It encourages parents to invest in their daughters' future from an early age, fostering a culture of financial prudence and empowerment.
Thus, to conclude, the concerted efforts of the Indian government in empowering the girl child have resulted in a transformative shift in societal attitudes and opportunities. Girls are being trained and skilled to be productive members of society and start their own ventures. So far, 311 Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) have been set up exclusively for women. Moreover, more than 59 lakh women candidates have been trained under Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana between 2015 and 2022. The National Education Policy being implemented in schools countrywide is also a step towards providing a holistic education to impart necessary skills to enable students. Thus, from the podiums of sports to the classrooms of education, the health and defence sectors, and the realms of financial security, targeted schemes have paved the way for a more inclusive and empowered generation of girls.
