Minister Baljit Kaur : Dedicated efforts are being made to shift societal attitudes towards the birth of girls.
Minister Baljit Kaur : Punjab’s commitment to women’s empowerment and gender equality has gained national recognition. Union Minister of Women and Child Development, Annapurna Devi, praised the state’s initiatives under the ‘Beti Bachao Beti Padhao’ scheme, as shared by Minister Baljit Kaur, Minister of Social Security, Women and Child Development.
Providing additional insights, Minister Baljit Kaur revealed that the national gender ratio at birth has improved from 918 in 2014-15 to 930 in 2023-24. In Punjab, the birth ratio of girls has increased from 75.51% to 78%, a result of the state government’s concerted efforts. Furthermore, institutional deliveries have significantly risen from 61% to 97.3%.
Minister Baljit Kaur highlighted that under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab government is taking significant steps to balance the gender ratio and encourage the birth of girls through innovative initiatives.
Minister Baljit Kaur shared that Union Minister Annapurna Devi has specifically commended the unique efforts in Faridkot district, where the ‘Dhi Anmulli Daat’ campaign is challenging patriarchal norms. As part of the campaign, the traditional “Shreenh Rasam,” historically reserved for boys, is now being celebrated for girls. This involves tying neem or shreenh tree leaves at the entrance of homes and preserving the baby girls’ footprints as cherished keepsakes.
To honor the birth of newborn girls, villages have organized celebrations, including distributing sweets, performing Giddha (a traditional Punjabi dance), and singing songs. Parents were also gifted baby blankets, grooming kits, and laminated imprints of their daughters’ footprints.
Minister Baljit Kaur emphasized that the national recognition of these efforts reflects the Punjab government’s dedication to empowering girls and reshaping societal attitudes. She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring that every girl in Punjab is valued and provided with equal opportunities to thrive.
The Minister highlighted that Punjab has implemented impactful measures for the welfare of women and children. Initiatives like free driving lessons for 120 girls in Hoshiarpur are aimed at boosting their confidence and fostering self-reliance. These efforts are challenging gender stereotypes and encouraging economic independence for women. She called on society to actively support such initiatives to promote gender equality.
The Social Security Minister further emphasized that, under the ‘Beti Bachao Beti Padhao’ scheme, the state government is consistently working to transform societal attitudes and behaviors towards girls, with the ultimate goal of eliminating discrimination against them.