National Girl Child Day lands on 24 January, and the mood this year is both proud and restless. Headlines talk about better schooling, safer spaces, and more girls staying in class in the Latest News in India cycle. Still, everyday gaps remain in health, safety, and equal chances. The point of the day is simple: keep girls visible in policy and in public life, not just in slogans.
Progress, Pressure Points, and the New Conversations
Government data shared around the day shows measurable movement. Schools with girls’ toilets now cover 97.5% nationwide, and girls’ secondary Gross Enrolment Ratio has reached 80.2% (UDISE 2024–25). Mission Shakti also received ₹3,150 crore in the Union Budget 2025–26. Numbers are good, but they need follow-through.
Two stories cutting through the noise feel very current. Gujarat says it now runs 13,000+ Balika Panchayats, training girls on leadership and rights. In Mumbai, “Girl Singhams” groups have reportedly helped stop child marriages and pushed for safer public spaces in their neighbourhoods.
What’s Still Missing on the Ground
A quick look at what keeps coming up in local work:
- Safety on the way to school and after-school hours
- Anaemia and nutrition gaps that quietly pull girls out of routines
- Early marriage pressure in pockets, even when enrolment improves
And a reality check that many families mention:
| Progress seen | What still hurts |
| More girls in school | Drop-offs during secondary years |
| Better facilities | Uneven access to care and safety |
Progress counts, but the missing pieces are basic, and they stay urgent for many. Official note on the day also circulated via PIB India’s X handle.
