Page 37 - NIS English 16-31 Jan, 2026

National Girl Child Day 2026 | SPECIAL

n According to the Health Management Information System, institutional deliveries
were 61 percent in 2014-15, which has increased to 97.3% in 2023-24. Antenatal
first trimester care registration has also increased from 61% to 80.5%.
n The sex ratio at birth, which was 918 in 2014-15, has increased to 930 in 2023-24.
n For the first time since the first national census in 1876, the number of women
per 1,000 men has increased. The National Family Health Survey-5 registered 1,020
women per 1,000 men.
n National Family Health Survey Report-5 states that the number of girls married
before the age of 18 has now been halved compared to the NFHS-3.
Progresses
Steps to promote the girl child Achievements
n In the year 2024-25, the Gender Parity Index for n The Central Government has allocated a budget of
the Gross Enrollment Ratio has been 1.0 for the Rs. 4.49 lakh crore in the financial year 2025-26 for
foundational stage, preparatory stage, and middle gender equality, which is 8.86% of the total budget.
stage, while it has been 1.1 for the secondary stage. n Admission of girls has started in NDA and Sainik
n Separate toilets have been provided in 97.1% of Schools.
schools, and drinking water facilities are available n Nari Shakti Vandan Act, 2023 marks a historic step
in 99.3% of schools. Improvements in school in women’s political empowerment by reserving 33%
infrastructure have led to improved enrollment of seats in the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies.
girls and a reduction in dropout rates. n 4.31 crore Sukanya Samriddhi accounts have been
n The number of women in technical education in opened till August 2025.
Industrial Training Institutes has doubled since 2014. n 10.3 crore gas connections have been provided in the
n In the Central Government's pre-matric, post-matric, name of women under the Ujjwala Yojana.
and merit-cum-means based scholarships, 30% of the n Nearly 90 lakh Self-Help Groups empowering
scholarships are reserved for girl students. 10 crore women are transforming rural self-
n In the Prime Minister's Higher Education employment, while more than 3 crore homes under
Promotion Scheme (PM-USP), 50% of the PM Awas Yojana are registered in women’s names—
scholarship slots are reserved for girl students. strengthening women-led development across India.
n 'Sports for Women' league was launched under n 35.40 crore PM Mudra loans have been given to
the Khelo India scheme. 1.39 lakh participants women, which is about 68 percent of the total loans.
participated in 29 sports disciplines. n 2.21 crore women-owned MSMEs are registered.
n The Sports Authority of India has established 4 n 48% of India’s 2.05 lakh+ recognized startups have
sports training centers in Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, at least one woman director.
Kerala, and Assam specifically for the training of
female athletes. n Nearly 25% of India’s space scientists are women.

the lives of girls in the country. It has helped improve
the sex ratio at birth, increase access to education,
In every development initiative expand healthcare, and promote women’s econom-
launched by our government, we ic empowerment. The government’s commitment
give top priority to empowering girls has resulted in a change in mindset towards girls,
not only at the government level but also at the
and strengthening women’s power. non-governmental level. A strong foundation has
Our focus is on ensuring respect and been laid in the country to value and protect every
opportunities for girls. girl child. The scheme is now entering its 12th year,
which will ensure continued progress towards
Narendra Modi, Prime Minister
gender equality and empowerment in the country. n

January 16-31, 2026 || NEW INDIA SAMACHAR 35