National Girl Child Day, celebrated annually on January 24th, highlights the challenges faced by girls and promotes gender equality and empowerment. The day aims to raise awareness about issues like education, child marriage, and gender bias, while celebrating the potential of every girl.

Here we will delve into the significance, status, and initiatives aimed at improving the welfare of the girl child in India.

What is National Girl Child Day?

National Girl Child Day is celebrated in India on January 24th every year. This day is dedicated to honoring the girl child, highlighting the challenges faced by girls, and promoting the rights of girls across the nation. The celebration of National Girl Child Day aims to create awareness about gender discrimination, the importance of educating girls, and the need for their empowerment in all sectors of society.

Why is National Girl Child Day Celebrated?

National Girl Child Day is celebrated to:

1. Promote gender equality
2. Highlight challenges faced by girls
3. Encourage policies for the welfare of girls
4. Celebrate the potential of every girl

Status of Girl Child in India

The status of girls in India has seen improvements in some areas, with many women becoming independent and achieving success in various fields. However, in certain spheres and more conservative environments, the challenges faced by the girl child still persist, either in minor or major forms. Issues such as limited access to education, healthcare disparities, safety concerns, and societal expectations continue to pose significant obstacles for girls in these areas.

• Access to education: Though more girls are attending school now than before, many still face barriers like poverty, early marriage, and safety concerns that keep them out of school.
• Health and nutrition: Many girls suffer from malnutrition and lack access to proper healthcare. Early pregnancies are also a significant concern, affecting both the health of girls and their ability to pursue education or careers.
• Gender bias: Deep-rooted gender discrimination continues to limit the opportunities available to girls. This is reflected in areas such as inheritance rights, career opportunities, and societal expectations.
• Child Marriage: Despite legal prohibitions, child marriage remains prevalent in India, especially in rural areas, disrupting education and exposing girls to health risks. It limits their future choices and perpetuates poverty and gender inequality.
• Violence and Exploitation: Girls in India face violence, including domestic abuse, sexual harassment, and trafficking. These issues harm their physical and mental well-being, hinder societal participation, and often remain unreported due to stigma and fear.

Sex Ratio in India

The sex ratio in India is a critical indicator of gender equity. The sex ratio refers to the number of females per 1,000 males in a population. According to the 2011 Census, the sex ratio in India stood at 940 females for every 1,000 males. However, this ratio is not uniform across different states and regions, with some areas experiencing a significantly higher or lower ratio.

India exhibits significant regional variations in its sex ratio. As of the latest census data, Haryana has the lowest sex ratio in the country, with just 879 females per 1,000 males, while Kerala boasts the highest sex ratio at 1,084 females per 1,000 males. These stark differences reflect deep-rooted social, cultural, and economic factors influencing gender equity across the nation.

Girl Child Sex Ratio

The child sex ratio in India, defined as the number of girls per 1,000 boys in the 0-6 year age group, has been steadily declining over the decades. The natural sex ratio at birth is around 105 males for every 100 females, but India has experienced a gradual drop in this ratio since the 1960s. Below is the data for child sex ratio over the years:

• 1961: 976 girls per 1,000 boys
• 1971: 964 girls per 1,000 boys
• 1981: 962 girls per 1,000 boys
• 1991: 945 girls per 1,000 boys
• 2001: 927 girls per 1,000 boys
• 2011: 919 girls per 1,000 boys

Declining Sex Ratio in India

The overall sex ratio in India has been in decline since 1951, with multiple factors contributing to this imbalance. Some of the key reasons include:

• Female infanticide: The practice of killing female infants due to the cultural preference for male children.

• Selective abortions: Widespread use of medical technology to determine the sex of a fetus, leading to the abortion of female fetuses.

• Neglect of female children: Daughters often face neglect in terms of nutrition, healthcare, and education.

• Son preference: In many parts of India, sons are considered more valuable for economic reasons and to carry on the family name.

• Small-family norms: The preference for fewer children, often leading to the deliberate selection of male children.

• Dowry system: The financial burden associated with dowries discourages families from having daughters, further skewing the sex ratio.

Districts with the Lowest and Highest Sex Ratios

• Lowest Sex Ratio District: As of the latest data, districts in Haryana, such as Mahendergarh and Bhiwani, continue to have some of the lowest sex ratios in India.
• Highest Sex Ratio District: Kottayam district in Kerala consistently reports one of the highest sex ratios in the country, reflecting the progressive social environment for girls in the region.

Government Schemes for the Welfare of the Girl Child in India

Over the years, the Indian government has launched numerous schemes and initiatives to support and uplift the status of the girl child. Some of the prominent schemes include:

• Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP): Launched in 2015, this scheme aims to promote the survival, protection, and education of the girl child. It focuses on addressing the declining child sex ratio and ensuring equal opportunities for girls in education and employment.

• Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY): A maternity benefit scheme that provides financial support to pregnant women and lactating mothers, including girl children, for ensuring better health outcomes.

• Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana: A savings scheme for the girl child, this program encourages parents to open a bank account for their daughters and deposit a sum regularly to create a financial safety net for the child’s future.

• Kishori Shakti Yojana: This scheme focuses on empowering adolescent girls aged 11 to 18 years through vocational training, education, and nutrition.

• National Scheme of Incentive to Girls for Secondary Education (NSIGSE): Launched to encourage parents to educate their girls, this scheme provides financial incentives to girls who successfully complete their secondary education.

• UJJAWALA Scheme: A comprehensive scheme designed to address human trafficking and the rehabilitation of victims, particularly young girls and women.

• Sabla Scheme: Aimed at empowering adolescent girls (ages 11-18), the Sabla scheme focuses on health, nutrition, education, and life skills development.

National Girl Child Day FAQs

Q1. What is National Girl Child Day?

Answer: National Girl Child Day is celebrated on January 24th in India to promote gender equality, empower girls, and raise awareness about challenges faced by them.

Q2. When is National Girl Child Day Celebrated?

Answer: National Girl Child Day is observed on January 24th every year in India. This date marks an opportunity to raise awareness about issues related to the girl child, including gender equality, health, education, and empowerment.

Q3. What is the status of girl children in India?

Answer: While progress has been made in education and independence, challenges like limited access to healthcare, child marriage, and gender bias continue to persist.

Q4. What is the child sex ratio in India?

Answer: The child sex ratio (0-6 years) in India was 919 girls per 1,000 boys in the 2011 Census, showing a declining trend over the years.

Q5. What is the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Scheme?

Answer: Launched in 2015, this scheme aims to improve the sex ratio and promote the education and empowerment of the girl child.