Back to class: Gujarat girls rejoin schools

The Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao initiative in Jamnagar district is transforming into a movement, bringing young girls back to classrooms and instilling renewed purpose in their lives. With strong leadership from District Women and Child Officer Pujaben Dodiya and robust support from the state government, teams have been actively reaching out across villages to ensure every girl has access to education.

Highlighting the program’s impact, Dodiya shared, “Under this initiative, 132 girls in our district have received admission in schools, ITIs, and other institutions,” emphasizing the project’s role in bridging the gender gap in education.

Among the success stories is Umera Bandri, who faced initial resistance from her family due to traditional biases. Today, she is back in Class 3, eager to continue her studies. “Earlier, I did not know how to read and write. Now I can, and I want to make my parents and society proud,” she said.

Similarly, sisters Uma Modaliya and her sibling, who had dropped out due to financial constraints, were re-enrolled after awareness campaigns convinced their mother, Madhuriben. Uma, now in Class 6, shared, “I want to become a big officer and make my mother proud.”

District Magistrate K.B. Thakkar lauded the initiative, stating, “All 132 girls received immediate admission and are now studying under the Gujarat government’s Kanya Kelavani scheme, benefiting from free education.”

With the collaborative efforts of officials, educators, and local volunteers, Jamnagar is witnessing a significant push towards inclusive education and women’s empowerment, demonstrating the tangible impact of community-driven initiatives.