Question

Name some acts and schemes to protect and empower the girl child.

Answer 1

1. Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao: It is a campaign to raise awareness and improve the efficiency of welfare services for girls, ensuring their survival, protection, and empowerment in India. The programme was launched with an initial funding of ₹ 100 crore.
2. Sukanya Samridhi Yojana: This scheme is a component of the BBBP programme that aims to ensure an equitable share of the girl child in family savings. The savings can be used for the girl child’s education and her marriage. This will help empower the girl and reduce the economic burden the family will face at the time of her marriage.
3. Aapki Beti Hamari Beti: Under this scheme, the first girl child born in an SC or BPL family will be eligible for a fund of ₹ 21,000 from the state government.
4. Prevention of Children from Sexual Offences, Sexual Harassment at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act: The POCSO Act, coupled with the changes in the Criminal Law and the recommendations of the Justice Verma Committee, aims at creating a safe and secure environment for females and children in the country. The provision of better nutrition through ICDS, MDM, and Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram, and affordable education through scholarship schemes such as Pragati and special girls’ schools like Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya are being implemented to ensure the betterment and empowerment of women and girls.