The District Administration Kohima, in collaboration with SANKALP – District Hub for Empowerment of Women (DHEW), Social Welfare Department, organised the felicitation programme for the “Educate Her, Empower Her” Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) Scholarship Awardees at the Deputy Commissioner’s Conference Hall, Kohima, on August 7, 2026.

            Delivering the keynote address, Deputy Commissioner and Chairman, District Level Committee, Mission Shakti, Kohima, B. Henok Buchem, NCS, congratulated the scholarship recipients and encouraged them to value the recognition bestowed upon them. He said the certificates should serve as a reminder that the district administration believes in their potential and expressed hope that they would one day give back to society. He urged the students to remain true to themselves, stay curious, keep an open mind and look beyond textbooks while pursuing their goals.

            Chairing the programme, Extra Assistant Commissioner (EAC), Kohima, Ane Khieya, said that Beti Bachao Beti Padhao is much more than a government scheme as it seeks to ensure that every girl is empowered to realise her full potential. She said the initiative aims to promote dignity, create healthier communities, encourage economic independence and enable girls to make informed decisions for their future.

            A total of 20 girl students were felicitated under the “Educate Her, Empower Her” BBBP Scholarship based on academic excellence and other prescribed criteria. Each awardee received a certificate and a cash award of Rs. 10,000 in recognition of their perseverance and achievements.

            Speaking on behalf of the scholarship awardees, the BBBP Scholarship Awardee and BBBP Ambassador 2025–26 expressed gratitude to the District Administration and all stakeholders for the support. They described BBBP as more than a government scheme, stating that it has encouraged them to pursue their dreams and contribute meaningfully to society. They also assured that they would continue to work hard and inspire others while carrying forward the message of Beti Bachao Beti Padhao.

            Following the felicitation programme, the quarterly District Level Committee meeting on BBBP was held.

            Vidilhounuo Solo, Specialist in Financial Literacy, DHEW Kohima, presented the activities undertaken during the first quarter of FY 2026–27. The presentation highlighted awareness and sensitisation programmes on Mission Shakti, menstrual hygiene, child rights, child protection, POCSO Act, mental health, financial literacy and Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY), besides skill development and counselling programmes for women, tree plantation drives, distribution of sanitary pads, school bags, stationery and BBBP T-shirts, and life skills training for adolescent girls conducted across various institutions and villages in the district.

            Kesoneinuo, Gender Specialist, DHEW Kohima, presented the action plan for FY 2026–27, outlining sectoral activities to be carried out in coordination with departments including Women and Child Development, School Education, Sports and Youth Affairs, Home and Police, Rural Development and Agriculture & Allied sectors. The plan includes orientation and sensitisation programmes, outreach activities, IEC campaigns and skill development initiatives in line with the BBBP calendar.

            The meeting concluded with remarks and suggestions from the District Level Committee members on strengthening the implementation of BBBP activities in the district.

            (Molungnenla, IA Kohima)