The commendable efforts of district administration Kathua under ‘Beti Bachao Beti Padhao’ got the greatest acknowledgement today when Prime Minister Narendra Modi appreciated the initiative during his 'Mann Ki Baat' on radio.The Prime Minister hailed the efforts of district administration Kathua for devising a convergence model for Beti Bachao Beti Padhao campaign by involving different departments and organising dedicated Gram Sabha's for educating all the stakeholders to bring about a positive attitudinal change towards Girl child. Prime Minister also lauded the idea of district administration to adopt orphan girls and provide all support for their continuous education.Pertinent to mention that Kathua district has attracted huge appreciation from all quarters for its best practices in educating people resulting improvement in Child Sex Ratio in the district.The caller tune "Betiyon Ko Bhi Jeene Ka Haq Hai Padne Ka Haq Hai" on every government officer's cellphone has been selected among best innovative idea which also got appreciation from the Union Minister for Women & Child Development, Maneka Gandhi.
Recognizing the efforts undertaken by the district administration under PAHAL, the Ministry of Women and Child Development has selected district Kathua among the 10 districts of the country to be felicitated for its initiatives under ‘Beti Bachao Beti Padhao’ in the category of "Effective Community Engagement".The coordinated and convergent efforts made by Kathua district administration under the overall supervision of Deputy Commissioner Ramesh Kumar, ensured that conducive environment is created for survival, protection and empowerment of the girl child in the district.Deputy Commissioner said that the words of praise by Prime Minister will further motivate and encourage everyone in the district to carry forward the campaign of ‘Beti Bachao Beti Padhao’ on a mission mode. He credited his team of officers and people in making this initiative a grand success.He said that a calendar of activities to educate people has been chalked out under PAHAL to improve the declining trend of child sex ratio (CSR) in the district. The other key initiatives include social media campaigns, use of Nukkad Nataks, monthly Laadli Diwas, award for fully immunized mother-child, best Asha and Anganwadi workers, girls athletic meet, self defence training, award for girls having extraordinary achievements in academics and sports, health helpline, provision of admission in best private schools for poor girls are some other steps that have been taken to empower girls.