Kohima: The Social Welfare Department of Nagaland celebrated the 10th anniversary of the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) initiative on January 22 at the Capital Convention Centre in Kohima, under Mission Shakti.
The event highlighted the program’s success in fostering gender equality and empowering girls across the state.
Martha R. Ritse, Commissioner and Secretary of the Social Welfare Department, graced the occasion as the special guest.
In her address, she emphasized the need for behavioral and social change to reshape perceptions of the girl child. While acknowledging that Naga society has made significant strides in empowering women, she pointed out that subtle changes are still required to achieve full gender parity.
Ritse described BBBP as a holistic scheme aimed at empowering women across all sectors and called for greater collaboration among departments to maximize the program’s impact.
Ritse highlighted that Nagaland ranks among the top five performers under the initiative, with approximately 1,000 programs conducted since its inception. She urged women to break societal barriers and strive for leadership in all fields.
Secretary of the Social Welfare Department and Mission Shakti Director, Bodeno S. Colo, provided a detailed overview of the scheme. Launched in 2015 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Sonepat, Haryana, BBBP focuses on improving the sex ratio at birth, increasing institutional deliveries, boosting girls’ secondary education enrollment, and promoting sports and skill development.
Colo emphasized the program’s steady progress across all 16 districts of Nagaland and administered a pledge to eliminate gender-based discrimination.
Deputy Commissioner of Kohima, Kumar Ramnikant, IAS, stressed the importance of collective efforts to address societal stereotypes for India to achieve its 2040 development goals. He highlighted BBBP’s role in breaking these stereotypes, enabling women to contribute significantly to nation-building.
Ramnikant presented various initiatives under BBBP in Kohima, including workshops on self-defense, baking, literature, and career guidance, as well as free coaching for NSSB aspirants. He also noted increased collaboration with village councils and development boards to expand the program’s reach.
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