KOHIMA
The celebration of 10 years of Beto Bachao Beto Padhao (BBBP) under Mission Shakti, Social Welfare Department was held on 22nd January 2025 at the Capital Convention Centre, Kohima, Nagaland.
Commissioner & Secretary, Social Welfare, Martha R. Ritse, IAS graced the event as the special guest. Emphasizing that behavioural and social change is of utmost importance in the way girl child is perceived and that even though Naga society is much ahead in terms of girl empowerment than the rest of the nation she said there are still changes, even if subtle, that need to be made so as to achieve zero gender parity.
She said BBBP is not a scheme for empowerment on only specific sectors but for the development of women in all sectors of society, and emphasised on the importance of the convergence of various departments for increase collaboration to further the objectives of the scheme in letter and in spirit and labelling it as a “multi sectoral scheme”.
She mentioned that around 1000 programs have been conducted under the scheme and the impacts have been evident with the state being amongst the top 5 states to perform exceptionally under the scheme, and encouraged the women to break the glass ceiling in all avenues.
Secretary, Social Welfare & Mission Director, Mission Shakti, Bodeno S. Colo gave a warm welcome to the esteemed guests and attendees. She also gave a brief introduction of the scheme where she said that the BBBP scheme was introduced at Sonepat, Haryana by Prime Minister, Narendra Modi in 2015 under the joint collaboration of Ministry of Women and Child Development, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and Ministry of Education. She emphasised on the objectives of the BBBP which includes improving sex ratio at birth, improving percentage of institutional deliveries, increasing enrolment of secondary education, promote sport and skill development among girls.
She informed that the scheme is operational in all the 16 districts of the state and has also shown increase in performance and impact over the years. She also administered a pledge to the congregation to eliminate gender based discrimination.
Deputy Commissioner, Kohima, Kumar Ramnikant, IAS emphasized that for India to attain the dream of a developed nation by 2040, there need to be a collective effort from all stakeholders of the society and this can only happen when stereotypes in the society are addressed. He said that BBBP is such a scheme that aims to break those stereotypes at home and at work and women can play a larger and active role in the nation building.
The deputy commissioner then presented the gathering with the best practices that have been conducted under the BBBP scheme in Kohima district all through the years. It showcased workshops conducted in various fields like literature, computer, self-defence, baking, sports, scientific temperament, career guidance, sensitivity to women and indigenous rights as well as free coaching classes for NSSB exam aspirants. He also mentioned that there has been increased collaboration with the Village Councils and Village Development Boards which also play a key role in implementing the scheme at the grassroots level.
He ended the presentation by saying that he looked forward to collaborating with all stakeholders to further the vision of the scheme in the years to come.
Kevisesenuo Jane Solo recited a poem ‘Let me Bloom’ by Vishü Rita Krocha on the theme ‘Empowering Girls’
Earlier the programme began with a prayer by Rev. T. W. Yamyap Konyak, State Chaplain, Nagaland Legislative Assembly for the success of the program as well as the future success of the scheme, followed by the felicitation of officials with indigenous plants and hampers. The attendees were also encouraged to take home a plant and nurture it as sign of promise to work toward the empowerment of the girl child.
The program ended with Director, Social Welfare & Member secretary, Mission Shakti, Tosheli Zhimomi giving the concluding remarks. She thanked all invitees, department officials and staff, students, NGOs and civil societies for being a part of a historic celebration, and encouraged the students to aspire to take up space in all facets of society.
The technical session event was moderated by Gender Specialist, SHEW, Mission Shakti, Meneno V.
(Thungbeni, APRO)
DIMAPUR
BIKE RALLY COMMEMORATES 10 YEARS OF BETI BACHAO BETI PADHAO
A bike rally was organized on January 22, 2025, by the Dimapur District Administration and Sankalp-District Hub for Empowerment of Women (DHEW), under the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) initiative, marking a decade of the campaign.
Flagged off by Stephen Ngullie, District Public Relations Officer, Dimapur, the rally began at the Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Dimapur, and concluded at the Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Chumoukedima. The event aimed to promote the message “Save the Girl Child: Educate the Girl Child” and was part of a broader campaign scheduled from January 22 to March 8, 2025.
Thirty riders from Dimapur participated in the rally, including members from renowned motorcycle clubs such as R.E Brothers Nagaland, United Riders Motorcycle Club, United Royal Riders Motorcycle Club, Nagaland Motorcycle, Flying Falcons Motorcycle Club, and The C.R.E.W Motorcycle Club.
At Chumoukedima, the participants were received by Polan John, NCS, Deputy Commissioner, Chumoukedima. The event was chaired by Ikali Wokhami of DMC DHEW, Mission Shakti.
In his address, Deputy Commissioner of Chumoukedima, Polan John lauded the bikers’ clubs for their participation in the rally commemorating 10 years of the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) initiative. He praised their efforts in raising awareness about protecting and educating the girl child.
Highlighting the significance of BBBP, he noted its achievements over the past decade in promoting girl child education, ensuring protection, and preventing gender-based, sex-selective practices. He also announced that a series of district-level programs will be organized by the District Administration and Sankalp-Mission Shakti from January 22 to March 8, 2025, engaging stakeholders like schools, women’s groups, and local authorities.
Polan John launched the Menstrual Health Manual for Women and Girls and distributed Feminine Hygiene Kits, developed by the district Hub for Empowerment of Women, to promote menstrual hygiene and awareness.
He expressed gratitude to all participants for their support in advancing the goals of BBBP and reaffirmed the commitment to the cause of the girl child.
The event also included a pledging ceremony overseen by Seyievilie Pfukri, EAC HQ. followed by a signature campaign.
The rally was a collaborative effort, with the events in Dimapur and Chumoukedima organized by the District Administration and Sankalp-DHEW under the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao initiative.
(I.Tiakumla.Ao, IA, Dimapur)
WOKHA
Wokha District Administration and the Department of Social Welfare, under Mission Shakti, organized an Oath Taking Ceremony and Signature Campaign from 22nd January to 8th March 2025. This event marked the 10-year anniversary of the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) scheme, held at the Deputy Commissioner's Office Complex in Wokha.
In his keynote address, Deputy Commissioner of Wokha, Vineet Kumar IAS, and Chairman of DLC, Mission Shakti, emphasized the core values, objectives, and goals of the BBBP scheme. He highlighted the significant achievement of the 33% women’s reservation in Urban Local Elections, demonstrating the growing recognition of the importance of women’s empowerment in today's society. He also stressed the need to create awareness and educate target groups on the overall development of women across various sectors, including health, education, social, political, and economic areas, to build an inclusive and progressive society.
Thungbeni Ngullie, President of Lotha Eloe Hoho, delivered a brief speech in which she discussed the successful implementation and achievements under BBBP. She highlighted the increasing participation of women in various sectors and emphasized the potential of this initiative to break the limitations placed on girl children, allowing them to reach greater heights in the future.
Dr. Wonjano E. Enny, DMC, DHEW, provided a summary of the inception of the BBBP program in Wokha District and led the Oath Taking by reading the pledge, followed by all stakeholders. Additional Deputy Commissioner Wokha, Renbomo Ezung, delivered the closing remarks of the program.
Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) was launched by the Prime Minister on 22nd January 2015 at Panipat, Haryana. The program addresses the declining Child Sex Ratio (CSR) and other related issues of women's empowerment through a life-cycle approach. It is a tri-ministerial effort involving the Ministries of Women and Child Development, Health & Family Welfare, and Human Resource Development.
The key elements of the scheme include the enforcement of the PC & PNDT Act, nationwide awareness and advocacy campaigns, and multi-sectoral action in selected 100 districts (initially low on CSR). There is a strong emphasis on mind-set change through training, sensitization, awareness-raising, and community mobilization.
The Beti Bachao Beti Padhao campaign was launched in Wokha District in 2018, and the district has since achieved significant milestones. It has won two awards: one for Good Performing States and Districts and another for Commendable Work in Awareness Generation and Outreach Activities under the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) Programme.
(DPRO and IA, Wokha)
BHANDARI
The District Administration Bhandari, on 22nd January 2025 organised and held an Oath taking ceremony for Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) at the Office of the Additional Deputy Commissioner, Bhandari, where Signature Campaign and Praphat Pheri, a Walk was also held in order to commemorate 10th Years of Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, an initiative of the Ministry of Women and Child Development.
Kilangtemsu NCS, EAC Bhandari, who led the Oath Taking ceremony, stated that the purpose of the Beti Bachao Peti Padhao Campaign was initiated to eliminate gender biased discrimination against a girl child and to preach the gap between man and women in the society.
In the Oath Taking Ceremony pledges was administered to individually and collectively eliminate gender biased discrimination and sex selection that threatens the birth and survival of girls, and to enable a girl Child's Education and be equally empowered citizens of the country.
(APRO & IA Bhandari)
MOKOKCHUNG
To mark 10 years celebration of Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, a launching program was held at Deputy Commissioner’s Conference Hall, Mokokchung on 22nd of January 2025 organized by the District Administration and Sankalp: District Hub for Empowerment of Women (DHEW) - Mission Shakti, Mokokchung.
Deputy Commissioner Mokokchung, Thsuvisie Phoji while speaking on the occasion said, our district and state in general stand out as a beacon to the rest of the country regarding this program as our society is based on gender equality in every aspect. He added that we need to maintain and carry forward this legacy to set an example. He also encouraged the concerned individuals who are involved in the mission to continue carrying out more initiatives to reach the needy section of the society.
Highlights of the day’s programme include oath taking pledge which was administered by Deputy Commissioner, a short speech from Putuchiba Walling, Gender Specialist (DHEW). Special song from Imnangangla and Slide show to showcase success stories under this mission. The program was chaired by Tajungienla, Specialist in Financial Literacy and invocation was pronounced by Amenla, MTS.
(DPRO Mokokchung)