Dehradun: On International Day of the Girl Child, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami honored 149 meritorious girl students who achieved top ranks in the High School and Intermediate board examinations of the Uttarakhand Board by presenting them with smartphones. Congratulating the students at the Girl Child Education Promotion Program held at the IRTD Auditorium in Dehradun on Sunday, the Chief Minister wished them a bright future.
The Chief Minister highlighted that the convergence of International Day of the Girl Child and the first day of Shardiya Navratri is a auspicious coincidence. In Indian culture, girls are worshipped as manifestations of Shakti, but the true significance of worshipping girls lies in providing them respect, security, education, and equal opportunities to progress. Daughters bring happiness to families while serving as the strength of society and the foundation of a bright future for the nation.
The Chief Minister noted that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, initiatives like Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao, Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana, Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, and Lakhpati Didi have provided women and girls with opportunities to excel. The state government is also offering support at every level, from birth to education, skill development, and employment.
He shared that women in the state receive 30 percent horizontal reservation in government jobs. Under the Nanda Gaura scheme, financial assistance of ₹11,000 is provided upon the birth of a girl child and ₹51,000 upon passing Class 12. Over four lakh girls have benefited from this scheme so far. Through the Chief Minister Mahalakshmi Scheme, health and nutrition for mothers and newborns are addressed, while the Chief Minister Vatsalya Scheme provides financial aid to children living in difficult circumstances.
The Chief Minister affirmed that free textbooks are being provided from Class 1 to 12 in government and aided schools so no girl is deprived of education due to financial hardship. Students are being encouraged through schemes like the Chief Minister Meritorious Student Incentive Scheme, Chief Minister Higher Education Incentive Scholarship Scheme, and Gargi Sanskrit Girls Scholarship Scheme. Initiatives such as free bicycles and the construction of working women’s hostels are also promoting girl child education.
He emphasized that digital education and modern technology hold special significance today. Presenting smartphones to 149 meritorious girls aims to connect them with technology and provide new opportunities for knowledge and skill building. Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) funds are also being processed to provide tablets to Class 10 and 12 students in government schools.
Efforts are underway to connect girls with skill development, innovation, and self-employment. Training in drone operations is being imparted under the Drone Didi scheme. Initiatives like Aalamban Art, Aalamban Village, and Aalamban Cafe aim to provide livelihood opportunities to needy women and adolescent girls. Navya 2.0 provides skill development and entrepreneurship training to adolescent girls and young women in Haridwar and Udham Singh Nagar.
Focus on Girls’ Security and Youth’s Future
The Chief Minister asserted that the safety of girls ranks among the state government’s highest priorities. The government remains committed to preventing child marriage and other social evils. A 5 percent horizontal reservation in government services is provided to orphaned children. To offer legal aid and psychological care to POCSO victims, a support person has been assigned in each district. He stressed that every girl child should receive an environment free of fear to pursue education and move forward with confidence.
The Chief Minister stated that a strict anti-copying law was enacted to prevent injustice against the hard work and talent of the youth. Over 35,000 youths have secured government jobs over the past five years. He called upon girl students to dream big, work hard, and pursue their goals with self-confidence, reiterating the government’s commitment to creating opportunities for every girl in line with making Uttarakhand a leading state in the country.
Women Empowerment and Child Development Minister Rekha Arya stated that under Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami’s leadership, the state government works continuously for girls’ education, safety, and self-reliance. Honoring meritorious girls aims to encourage their achievements while inspiring others. Providing equal opportunities and enabling self-reliance among daughters is essential for overall societal development.
The program was attended by Cabinet Minister Khajan Das, Additional Secretary Karmendra Singh, Director of Women Empowerment and Child Development Department Banshilal Rana, and other officials.
