Special Correspondent
Ukhrul. March 8:
Ukhrul marked International Women’s Day with a grand celebration, commemorating 10 years of the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) scheme under the theme “Accelerate Action.” The event, organized by the District Administration in collaboration with DPO-ICDS Ukhrul, One Stop Centre (OSC/Ngayin Shim), and the District Hub for Empowerment of Women, highlighted the importance of gender equality, women’s empowerment, and the need to improve the child sex ratio.
A Call for Action and Gender Equality
Deputy Commissioner of Ukhrul, Ashish Das, graced the occasion as the chief guest and emphasized the necessity of accelerating action to empower women and promote gender equality. He reminded the gathering of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s initiative in 2015, where he called for the eradication of female foeticide and invited public participation in shaping policies via the MyGov.in portal.
He reiterated the slogan of the BBBP scheme, “Save the Daughter, Educate the Daughter,” and urged the community to continue supporting initiatives that uplift women and improve their socio-economic status.
Women’s Empowerment and Government Initiatives
Enoli Chonchuirinmayo Luithui Pherei, Central Administrator (CA) of One Stop Centre, stated that the event was part of the Government of India’s personal campaign aimed at generating awareness and improving the efficiency of welfare services designed for girls. She emphasized the crucial role of such initiatives in ensuring a safe and empowering environment for women.
Dr. Lucy Duidang Shaiza, Senior Medical Officer of Ukhrul, provided insights into the historical significance of the BBBP scheme. She noted that the scheme was launched by Prime Minister Modi on January 22, 2015, in Panipat, Haryana, and has since played a transformative role in promoting girl child education and gender equality. She also highlighted that the Economic Survey 2019 proposed a shift in BBBP’s approach by introducing BADLAV (Beti Aapki Dhan Lakshmi Aur Vijay Lakshmi), which symbolizes a change towards a more gender-equal society.
Recognizing Contributions to Women’s Upliftment
A significant highlight of the celebration was the recognition of contributions by Ukhrul Police Mahila and Soyam Fruit Productions. Deputy Commissioner Ashish Das awarded them certificates of appreciation for their dedicated efforts in addressing women’s challenges in workplaces and advocating for women’s rights.
Their commitment to uplifting women in Ukhrul was commended, as they have played an instrumental role in empowering women by providing them with economic opportunities and ensuring safe working conditions.
Collective Efforts for a Better Future
The event concluded with a collective pledge to continue advocating for gender equality, strengthening policies to protect women’s rights, and ensuring better implementation of government schemes.
With a decade of the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao scheme behind us, the need for accelerated action remains urgent. The commitment shown by the District Administration and various stakeholders in Ukhrul reaffirms the region’s dedication to fostering an inclusive and equal society for all.
