The Business Bytes
TBB BUREAU
BHUBANESWAR, JAN 24, 2024
In observance of National Girl Child Day, an annual event since 2008, the Health & Family Welfare department of the Odisha government has undertaken initiatives to raise awareness about the rights and opportunities of girls in India. The day aims to address challenges and discrimination faced by girls in crucial aspects of life, including education, health, nutrition, legal rights, protection, and empowerment. The celebration also emphasizes promoting girls’ participation and leadership across various fields to underscore their role in the nation’s development.
A dedicated program at the Conference Hall of Combined Health Directorate, Ground floor, HOD Building, Bhubaneswar, marked the occasion. Shalini Pandit, Commissioner of the Health & Family Welfare department, Government of Odisha, presided over the event as the Chief Guest. Accompanying her were esteemed guests, including Dr. Bijay Kumar Panigrahy, Director of Family Welfare, Dr. Snehalata Sahu, Special Secretary of Public Health, and Dr. Niranjan Mishra, Director of Public Health.
The celebration included the recognition of notable achievements in promoting gender equality through State-level Awards on Sex Ratio at Birth. Kandhamal district secured the top position, earning praise for maintaining a commendable ratio of 984 girls for every 1000 boys. Malkangiri achieved the second position with a ratio of 982, followed by Mayurbhanj at 981, Nabarangpur at 964, and Sambalpur at 963.
Data from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS) and the Civil Registration System underscore the persistent discrimination and inequality against girls and women in the State. The National Health Mission (NHM) actively works to enhance the availability and access to quality healthcare, especially for those in rural and hard-to-reach areas.
The State government has implemented various initiatives and interventions, including strengthening the enforcement and monitoring of the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act, 1994, prohibiting sex determination and selection. Other efforts include promoting the value and welfare of the girl child through awareness generation, community mobilization, and incentive-based schemes. The government also strives to enhance access and quality of maternal and child health services for girls through the Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child, and Adolescent Health (RMNCH+A) strategy.
While progress has been made, there remains ample room for improvement and innovation in addressing the issue of low sex ratios at birth in Odisha. National Girl Child Day serves as a moment to recognize and celebrate the contributions and achievements of girls in various fields, reinforcing the commitment to their empowerment and well-being.
