Panaji: Women play a pivotal role in building the social and economic growth of the country. Hence, initiatives focused on empowering the girl child by the government hold immense significance for their betterment, stated Governor of Goa P.S. Sreedharan Pillai. He was speaking at a programme organized by the Department of Women and Child Development to celebrate 10 years of the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Scheme at Raj Bhavan, Dona Paula, today.
Governor Pillai said that the country is marching ahead towards economic growth, and likewise, the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Scheme is making significant progress across the nation. He lauded Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his visionary efforts and initiatives in launching the scheme. He also expressed happiness over the state government’s efficient implementation of the programme.
Minister for Women and Child Development Vishwajit Rane stressed the need to change the negative mindset that prevails in society regarding the girl child. He emphasized that people must accept that girls are equal and deserve a respectful status. The state government has been making tireless efforts to uplift the economic and social status of women, he added.
Rane commended Prime Minister Narendra Modi for launching the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Scheme to ensure the empowerment of girls in the country. He said the state government is making serious efforts to achieve the targets set under the scheme, extending maximum support to women in achieving their dream careers.
The Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Scheme aims to prevent gender-biased sex-selective elimination, improve the sex ratio at birth, and increase the enrolment of girls in higher secondary education, among other objectives.
Secretary of Women & Child Development, Arun Kumar Mishra (IAS), highlighted various government initiatives to achieve the scheme’s targets. The government is providing health treatments to improve nutritional status and has introduced treatments for anemic women. Additionally, efforts are being made to offer medical treatment to married women who have been unable to conceive for over two years.
North Goa Collector Dr. Sneha Gitte (IAS), in her address, emphasized the importance of family support for the girl child in pursuing her dreams. She stated that women must stand as strong pillars of support for one another in tackling social challenges, as only then can meaningful societal change be achieved.
On this occasion, the Department of Women and Child Development felicitated daughters of Anganwadi workers who have excelled in life. A fashion show and a dance performance depicting women’s empowerment were also presented.
Director of Women and Child Development Manuel Barretto, Deputy Director Jyoti Desai, and other dignitaries were present at the event.
