Fri Jan 24 01:40:00 UTC 2025: ## India Celebrates National Girl Child Day, Underscoring Commitment to Girls’ Rights and Welfare

**NEW DELHI** – India marked National Girl Child Day on January 24th, highlighting the ongoing efforts to empower girls and ensure their well-being. The annual event, initiated in 2008 by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, aims to raise awareness about gender inequality and advocate for equal opportunities for girls.

This year’s observance focused on eliminating gender biases, promoting girls’ education, and addressing critical issues such as female foeticide and the declining sex ratio. The government underscored its commitment through a review of several key initiatives:

* **Legal Measures:** The Prohibition of Child Marriage Act (2006), the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act (2012, updated 2020), and the Juvenile Justice Act (2015) provide legal frameworks for protecting girls’ rights.
* **Support Programs:** Mission Vatsalya, including the Child Helpline and Track Child Portal (operational since 2012), addresses child development and protection. The PM CARES for Children Scheme provides support for children orphaned by COVID-19. Collaborations with NIMHANS and the E-SAMPARK program offer mental health and medical care.

The government emphasized that empowering girls is crucial not only for their individual well-being but also for the overall progress of society. Through awareness campaigns, policy changes, and support programs, India continues its commitment to building a more inclusive and equitable future for all its citizens.

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