The 10th anniversary celebration of Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) under Mission Shakti, Social Welfare Department took place on January 22, 2025, at the Capital Convention Centre in Kohima, Nagaland. Martha R. Ritse, IAS, Commissioner & Secretary of Social Welfare, graced the event as the special guest. In her address, she highlighted the critical need for behavioral and social change in how society perceives the girl child. While acknowledging that Naga society has made strides in empowering girls, she emphasized the ongoing necessity for subtle yet impactful changes to achieve true gender parity.
Ritse underscored that BBBP is not merely a scheme for empowerment in specific sectors, but a comprehensive initiative aimed at fostering the development of women across all facets of society. She stressed the importance of inter-departmental collaboration to effectively advance the scheme’s objectives, labeling it a “multisectoral scheme.” She noted that nearly 1000 programs have been implemented under BBBP, contributing to Nagaland being ranked among the top five states performing exceptionally under the initiative. Ritse encouraged women to break through barriers across all domains.
Bodeno S. Colo, Secretary of Social Welfare and Mission Director of Mission Shakti, extended a warm welcome to the distinguished guests and attendees. She provided an overview of BBBP, highlighting its inception in Sonepat, Haryana, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2015. Colo outlined the scheme’s objectives, which include improving sex ratios at birth, increasing institutional deliveries, enhancing secondary education enrollment, and promoting sports and skill development among girls. She affirmed the scheme’s operational presence across all 16 districts of Nagaland, noting its growing impact over the years.
Kumar Ramnikant, IAS, Deputy Commissioner of Kohima, emphasized the collective societal effort needed for India to achieve its goal of becoming a developed nation by 2040. He stressed that addressing societal stereotypes, particularly through initiatives like BBBP, is crucial for empowering women to play active roles in nation-building. Ramnikant shared best practices from Kohima district under BBBP, showcasing diverse workshops and collaborations with Village Councils and Development Boards aimed at grassroots implementation.
The event featured a recitation by Kevisesenuo Jane Solo of the poem “Let me Bloom” by Vishü Rita Krocha, centered on empowering girls. It commenced with a prayer for the program’s success by Rev. T. W. Yamyap Konyak, followed by the felicitation of officials with indigenous plants and hampers. Attendees were encouraged to take home a plant as a symbol of commitment to empowering the girl child.
Director of Social Welfare and Member Secretary of Mission Shakti, Tosheli Zhimomi, delivered the concluding remarks, expressing gratitude to all participants and stakeholders for their contributions to the event’s success. She urged students to aspire to occupy spaces across all sectors of society.
The technical session, moderated by Gender Specialist Meneno V. of SHEW, Mission Shakti, encapsulated the spirit of collaboration and shared commitment towards advancing gender equality and empowering girls under the BBBP initiative.
Mokokchung marks 10th anniversary of Beti Bachao Beti Padhao
The 10th anniversary celebration of Beti Bachao Beti Padhao was held across Nagaland. In Mokokchung, a launching program was held at the Deputy Commissioner’s Conference Hall, Mokokchung, to mark the event on Wednesday. The event was 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, stated that the district and the state, in general, stand out as a beacon to the rest of the country regarding this program, as the society is built on gender equality in every aspect. He added that this legacy needs to be maintained and carried forward to set an example. He also encouraged the individuals involved in the mission to continue initiating efforts to reach the underprivileged sections of society.
Highlights of the day’s program included an oath-taking pledge conducted by the Deputy Commissioner, Mokokchung, and a short speech by Putuchiba Walling, Gender Specialist (DHEW). The event also featured a special song by Imnangangla and a slideshow showcasing success stories under the mission. The program was chaired by Tajungienla, Specialist in Financial Literacy, and the invocation was pronounced by Amenla, MTS.
(With inputs from DIPR)