YUPIA, AUG 21:

The Papum Pare district administration and District Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Cell Yupia, in collaboration with various line departments, observed Beti Janmotsava under the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) scheme at the SDO’s Conference Hall Doimukh on Friday.

More than 70 participants, including lactating mothers benefiting under the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) and adolescent girls, attended the programme.

Speaking as the Chief Guest, Doimukh SDO Nyelam Tan appreciated the Women and Child Development (WCD) Department for regularly organising awareness programmes for the welfare of women and children. He described Beti Janmotsava as more than an event, saying it conveys an important social message to value, protect, educate and empower the girl child.

Tan also encouraged parents to avail themselves of the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY) through post offices to help secure the financial future of their daughters.

In her welcome address, District ICDS Cell Yupia Deputy Director Jaya Taba highlighted various welfare schemes and initiatives of the WCD Department and explained the objectives of BBBP, with emphasis on the safety, dignity, health, education and empowerment of the girl child.

As part of the programme, gift hampers were distributed to mothers with infants, while sanitary napkins were distributed among adolescent girls to promote menstrual hygiene. Medical Officer Dr Tilling Pamung conducted an awareness session on menstrual health and hygiene.

Advocate and Juvenile Justice Board (JJB) member Likha Asha sensitised participants on the Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005, including legal safeguards and remedies available to women facing domestic violence.

The programme concluded with a call for collective efforts by families, communities and government departments to create a safe, supportive and empowering environment for girl children and ensure equal opportunities for their growth, education and development.