| Why in News? | National Girl Child Day is observed annually on January 24, emphasizing the rights, education, and welfare of girls in India. |
| Date | January 24, 2025 |
| History | - Launched in 2008 by the Ministry of Women and Child Development. |
| - Highlights issues such as gender inequality, child marriage, and discrimination in education and healthcare. |
| Significance | - Celebrates the achievements of girls and women. |
| - Coincides with the day Indira Gandhi assumed office, symbolizing progress in women's empowerment and gender equality. |
| Government Schemes for Girls | - Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana: Encourages savings for girl children. |
| - Balika Samriddhi Yojana: Promotes the education of girls in rural areas. |
| - Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao: Focuses on reducing child mortality and improving education for girls. |
| - Mukhyamantri Kanya Suraksha Yojana, Ladli Lakshmi Yojana, and others. |
| Laws Protecting Girls | - Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006: Penalizes child marriage. |
| - POCSO Act, 2012: Prevents child sexual abuse. |
| - Juvenile Justice Act, 2015: Ensures care and protection of children. |
| - Mission Vatsalya: Provides child development services like the Child Helpline and Track Child portal for missing children. |
| - PM CARES for Children Scheme: Supports children orphaned by COVID-19. |
| Sex Ratio in India | - 2011 Sex Ratio: 943 females per 1000 males. |
| - Projected 2036 Sex Ratio: 952 females per 1000 males, indicating improved gender equality. |
| Sex Selection and Abortion | - PNDT Act, 1994 (amended in 2002): Prohibits sex selection and misuse of prenatal diagnostic techniques. |
