Narrow mindset needs to be changed, says minister

Our Correspondent

Una, January 24

On National Girl Child Day, a state-level programme was organised at the police ground in Lalsingi village today. Social Justice and Empowerment Department Rajiv Saizal was the chief guest.

Saizal said the Constitution of India provided equal status and developmental opportunities to all citizens, irrespective of sex, creed, religion and caste, adding that illiteracy and narrow mindset in some sections of the community had created a social mindset against the girl child, which needed to be changed. He said girls and women were today progressing in different walks of life.

Rural Development Minister Virender Kanwar, who was the guest of honour, said Una district had a poor child sex ratio till about four years ago, after which the “Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao” campaign was launched. He expressed happiness that the ratio in the district had improved.

The minister expressed the need to create more social awareness on protecting and educating the girl child.

Under “Mera Gaon ki Beti-Meri Shaan”, a programme launched by the district administration to highlight girls excelling in their respective fields, 28 girls and their mothers from various panchayats were honoured. Besides, five shopkeepers, who had named their business establishments after their daughters, were also honoured, he said.