Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Monday emphasised that respecting, educating, protecting and empowering girls was essential for social progress, while highlighting government initiatives aimed at strengthening their educational opportunities and financial security.
Performing Kanya Pujan with her family on Mahanavami, the ninth day of Navratri, Gupta said every girl should have equal opportunities to pursue education, achieve her ambitions and build an independent future.
According to a statement issued by the Chief Minister's Office, she underlined the importance of translating the spirit of the religious occasion into meaningful action for the welfare and empowerment of girls.
"Respecting, educating, protecting and empowering girls is the true measure of social progress," Gupta said.
๐๐ผ๐ฐ๐๐ ๐ผ๐ป ๐ด๐ถ๐ฟ๐น๐' ๐ฒ๐ฑ๐๐ฐ๐ฎ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป
The Chief Minister highlighted the Delhi Lakhpati Bitiya Yojana, which aims to encourage girls to continue their education while providing long-term financial security.
The scheme is intended to help girls pursue higher studies and access better opportunities without being constrained by financial difficulties, the statement said.
Gupta also referred to the Vidya Vahini Yojana, under which bicycles are provided to eligible girl students to make travelling to school easier.
She said financial constraints and difficulties in accessing educational institutions should not become obstacles to girls completing their studies.
๐๐ฎ๐ป๐๐ฎ ๐ฃ๐๐ท๐ฎ๐ป ๐ฏ๐ฒ๐๐ผ๐ป๐ฑ ๐๐ฟ๐ฎ๐ฑ๐ถ๐๐ถ๐ผ๐ป
Gupta said Kanya Pujan should not remain confined to religious rituals but should inspire families and society to demonstrate respect, responsibility and commitment towards girls in everyday life.
She stressed that ensuring access to education, protection and opportunities for personal development was necessary to enable girls to realise their potential.
The Chief Minister linked girls' empowerment with the broader goal of building a developed Delhi and a developed India.
"Only when every girl gets the opportunity to move forward will the resolve to build a developed Delhi and a developed India grow stronger," she said.
The Chief Minister's Office said the government's initiatives were aimed at improving educational access and financial security for girls, enabling them to pursue their aspirations and participate more fully in society.