National Girl Child Day 2025: Theme and Govt. Initiatives for Girl Child Development

Every year on January 24, India comes together to celebrate National Day of the Girl Child. The day is observed to draw attention to girls’ rights, empowerment and equality. The day was launched by the Ministry of Women and Child Development in 2008 to sound the alarm to address deep-rooted gender inequality and provide fair opportunities to girls in all spheres of life. Since its inception, National Day of the Girl Child has become a platform to raise voices and address issues such as gender discrimination, child marriage, resource inequality and more. The day also highlights the importance of empowering girls to achieve a prosperous future.

The Government of India has launched various initiatives and policies aimed at promoting growth and empowerment of girls. Various schemes such as Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana and Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya have become the backbone of girl child empowerment in the country. These efforts are further supported by community-driven campaigns and awareness programs.

On National Day of the Girl Child, let us raise awareness about every girl’s rights and fight against discrimination and inequality. Together we can build a future where every girl has her rights and the opportunity to dream big.#NationalGirlsChildren’sDay #everyoneisequalpic.twitter.com/f3sgcjjk2I

— Indian Oil Corporation (@IndianOilcl) January 24, 2025

On National Day of the Girl Child, MoRTH pays tribute to the true pillars of strength of our society – our girls. From dreamers to doers, every girl has the power to change the world. Let’s work together to create a world where every girl can learn, grow and lead without boundaries… pic.twitter.com/iV5cJkZsri

— MORTHINDIA (@MORTHIndia) January 23, 2025

National Day of the Girl Child 2025 Theme

Every year, the government develops a dedicated theme for National Girl Child Day (Balika Diwas) and the 2025 theme reflects the changing priorities and goals of society and government in ensuring the all-round development of girls. These themes reveal key areas such as lack of access to education, improving health care, providing safer environments for girls, and closing the digital divide.

According to sources, the theme of National Day of the Girl Child 2025 is “Giving girls a bright future.” This theme highlights the critical importance of creating an environment where girls not only have equal opportunities, but also have the skills, education and resources they need to succeed in life.

#NationalGirlsChildren’sDay The country is celebrating today. The day focuses on raising awareness about girls’ rights, education, health and safety in society.

The theme for National Day of the Girl Child 2025 is “Empowering girls a bright future”… pic.twitter.com/iaeJidwaUQ

— All India Radio News (@airnewsalerts) January 24, 2025

The theme also emphasizes instilling self-reliance, confidence and leadership qualities in girls so that they can break away from traditional social norms and pursue their dreams.

The theme is also in line with India’s commitment to sustainable development as it applies to Sustainable Development Goal 5, which states: “Achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls”. By focusing on “empowering girls with a bright future,” governments and stakeholders aim to inspire collective efforts to address these issues.

Government initiatives to promote girl child development

The Government of India has implemented various programs and legal measures to ensure the safety, empowerment and development of girls in the country. This is a list.

Source: Press and Information Bureau

Betty Bachao(BBBP)

The Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) scheme was launched on January 22, 2015 to address the issue of declining child sex ratio and empower girls and women throughout their lives. It focuses on ensuring the survival, protection and education of girls and promoting a more equitable society.

Udan

Udaan is a project launched in 2014 by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) under the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD). It aims to increase the enrollment of girls in prestigious engineering colleges by providing support and resources to help them bridge the gap between school education and engineering entrance exams. This initiative encourages and gives wings to aspiring female students to pursue careers in science and technology.

Girls Project (SAG)

The Adolescent Girl Program provides nutritional and non-nutritional support to out-of-school girls aged 11 to 14 years. The nutritional ingredients improve their health, while the non-nutritional ingredients motivate them to return to formal education, provide life skills training and help them access public services.

National Award Scheme for Girls in Secondary Education

Launched in May 2008, the program focuses on increasing educational opportunities for girls, especially those from Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) communities. It is now part of the National Scholarship Portal (NSP), which encourages girls to enroll in secondary school and reduce dropout rates, with the aim of ensuring they stay in school until the age of 18.

Promote menstrual hygiene programs

The program was launched in 2011 to promote better menstrual hygiene practices among girls aged 10 to 19 years in rural areas. This is part of a larger effort to improve adolescent reproductive and sexual health and ensure better awareness and access to health products.

Sukanya Samreedi Project

The scheme was launched in January 2015 as part of the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao campaign to help parents save for their daughters’ future education and marriage expenses. It encourages financial planning to ensure a bright future for the girl child.

Child Protective Services Plan

This program provides institutional care to disadvantaged children through Child Care Institutions (CCIs). It also provides non-institutional care, including adoption, foster care and sponsorship, and provides an ‘aftercare’ service to support children’s transition from institutional care to independent living after the age of 18.

Beauchamp Abyan

POSHAN Abhiyaan was launched on March 8, 2018, with a focus on addressing malnutrition across the country. It uses technology, community engagement, behavior change initiatives and capacity building to improve nutritional outcomes for children, pregnant and nursing mothers.

Legal measures to protect girls

Several legal measures have been taken to ensure the safety and rights of girls:

  • Child Marriage Prohibition Act, 2006: This law aims to prevent child marriage by punishing those involved in child marriage.
  • Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses (POCSO) Act, 2012: This Act deals with sexual offenses against children and was updated in 2020 to strengthen its enforcement.
  • Juvenile Justice Act, 2015: Ensures care and protection of needy children and provides for their rehabilitation.
  • Mission Vatsalya: This program focuses on child development and protection, providing services such as a child helpline and tracking child portal to help locate missing children and reunite them with their families.
  • PM CARES for Children Program: This program provides support to children who have lost a parent due to COVID-19, ensuring their well-being and development.
  • Partnering with NIMHANS and E-SAMPARK: These projects provide mental health and medical care support to children in need.

In conclusion, the theme of National Day of the Girl Child 2025 is “Empowering Girls for a Bright Future”, underscoring the country’s commitment to promoting equality, education and opportunities for girls. Through impactful government initiatives such as Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Udaan and POSHAN Abhiyaan, as well as a strong legal framework that protects their rights, India continues to take significant steps towards building a society where girls can thrive.