National Girl Child Day : Governor suggests gender based budget allocation
Source: The Sangai Express / DIPR

Imphal, January 24 2020: Governor Dr Najma Heptulla said that the State Government should consider gender-based budget allocation specifically for women in the State.

She was speaking as the chief guest at the National Girl Child Day 2020 held at City Convention Centre here today.

Addressing the gathering, Dr Najma Heptulla highlighted that 'Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao' is not just a slogan but a commitment to save and educate the girl child so as to make her a good citizen of this country.

"We need to counter negative gender stereotypes as it would hamper in harnessing the potential and capabilities of a girl child", she added.

National Girl Child Day : Governor suggests gender based budget allocation

Maintaining that girls can do anything in today's world, the Governor said, "Let us recommit to support every girl to develop her skills, enter the workforce on equal terms and reach her full potential.

"We need to equip girls with transferable and lifelong skills such as critical thinking, creativity and digital awareness", she continued.

The Governor urged Government agencies, NGOs and CSOs to join hands in addressing the problems faced by the girl child in the society.

While delivering his presidential address, Chief Minister N Biren Singh maintained that there is a peaceful and cohesive environment in the last three years as the grievances and problems of the people have been resolved without undue delay.

He said that practical and pragmatic approaches are essential to bring positive change in the State.

Mentioning the decreasing sex ratio, the Chief Minister said that there is a need for a stringent legislation to prohibit such wrongdoings in the State.

He appealed to all doctors, nurses and private clinics not to encourage but stop sex determination test.

He informed that a legislation which would empower the State to cancel and terminate the licenses of doctors, clinics and diagnostic centres for unethical medical practices would be introduced soon after consultation with legal experts.

Stating that women are in the forefront in various fields and sectors, Biren said that Manipur has topped in women ownership in MSME businesses in the country.

India's 20 percent MSME businesses are owned by women while in Manipur, women own 50 percent of MSME businesses, he added.

Minister for Social Welfare Nemcha Kipgen said that the essence of celebrating National Girl Child day is to create awareness among the people about gender inequality, discrimination and exploitation in the society.

She continued that preference of male child over girl child is highly prevalent in the society despite various awareness campaigns.

People console when a girl child is born whereas the birth of a male child is celebrated, she added.

Nemcha Kipgen mentioned that it is indeed disheartening for every woman that female foeticide is rising in the country.

She urged the people of the State to fight collectively towards eliminating gender discrimination.

Minister for Health and Family Welfare L Jayantakumar Singh, Chief Secretary Dr J Suresh Babu and Principal Secretary (Social Welfare) V Vumlunmang also spoke during the function.

The dignitaries later felicitated 15 women achievers for their contribution in the society.

A promotional video on 'Beti Bachao Beti Padhao' produced by the Department of Social Welfare was also released.

Prior to the programme, the dignitaries inspected the stalls set up by various departments.