Women, Child, Senior Citizen, and Persons with Disabilities Welfare Department launches programme for Beti Bachao Beti Padhao,2025.

Namchi, January 22( IPR): Women, Child, Senior Citizen, and Persons with Disabilities Welfare Department successfully organised the launching programme of the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao ( BBBP) initiative, commemorating it’s 10th anniversary. The event marks the beginning of activities starting from 22nd January to 8thth March 2025, aimed at promoting gender equality and empowering girls through education and awareness .
The meeting had the presence of Mr Satish Chandra Rai MLA Namchi-Singhithang, Ms Tenny D Bhutia Chairperson Women Commission, Ms Sabitri Tamang Vice Chairman NMC, Ms Nima Choden Lepcha Councillor Namchi Municipal Corporation ( NMC),Dr SN Adhikari CMO Namchi, Ms Smita Rai Entrepreneur- Restaunter Namchi Designer Candles, Ms Sophia Lepcha AD Nutrition cum Disctrict Nodal Office ( DNO) BBBP, along with staff and members of the HUB, members from Self Help Groups( SHG), Asha Workers and HOo’S from various departments.
Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Programme has been implemented through the campaign with the objective of improvement in sex ratio through societal changes. The programme was launched in 22nd January, 2015 by The Government of India, to address the concerns about gender discrimination and women empowerment in the country. The name Beti Bachao Beti Padhao translates to ‘ Save the girl child, educate the girl child’ . The scheme also aims to educate citizens against gender bias and improving the efficiency of Welfare services for girls.
Mr Satish Chandra Rai in his address, eloquently elaborated on the benefits of the scheme and its impact on society. He highlighted the transformative role played by BBBP initiative in spreading awareness about the importance of educating and empowering every girl child. He mentioned that BBBP has significantly contributed to altering societal mindsets and in encouraging gender equality.
He stressed upon the need to amplify scheme like BBBP through proper publicity in order to raise maximum awareness to every Indian household. He applauded Sikkim, as a state for setting very high standards for the welfare of a girl child. He commended the state’s remarkable progress, particularly in substantial rise in school enrollment ratio of girls and producing numerous successful women across various fields, serving as a role model for many.
Further, he noted phenomenal participation of girls in diverse activities, referencing to the grand success of the recently concluded Maghey Mela 2025 at Jorethang. He highlighted how such platforms serve as an inspiration, showcasing the capabilities of girls when provided with equal opportunities. Therefore, he urged everyone to nurture, love and encourage the growth of a girl child who can be the future innovators and leaders at par with men in all the spheres. He emphasised that the empowerment of girls is crucial for building a progressive and an inclusive society.
He also applauded the efforts of the department in spreading awareness and driving impactful changes through the BBBP initiative. His words served as a reminder of the importance of gender equality and empowering a girl child to reach their highest potential.
Ms Sophia Lepcha in her address, educated the audience about the origin and purpose of the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) initiative. She highlighted the pressing issue of the declining sex ratio of girl child, emphasizing the societal challenges that contribute to this problem. This challenges include female infanticide, domestic violence, and the physical and mental trauma faced by women subjected to abuse.
She discussed about the importance of ensuring the safety and well-being of women, stressing the need for collective action to address this issue. She shared the success of various helpline numbers that have supported the victims of abuse over the years, while also pointing the critical need for increased awareness through social media platforms, and community campaigns to reach for a broader audience.
She also mentioned about the importance of empowering girls to grow into confident women who can stand up for themselves and can leave behind a legacy of empowered girls who will inspire future generations to continue this movement towards equality and success.
The programme also featured a Pledge and a Signature Campaign led by the Chief Guest Mr Satish Chandra Rai and other officials, reinforcing the commitment to raise awareness about the BBBP initiative and advocating for gender equality.