Aditi Tatkare tells Nandurbar hostel girls the government is with them if studies hit hurdles

Women and Child Development Minister Aditi Tatkare has assured that the government is committed to giving top priority to the education, health and safety of girls. She visited the Rukhmabai Balikashram at Sorapada in Akkalkuwa taluka of Nandurbar district and interacted with the girls staying there.

Tatkare told the girls not to panic if they faced any difficulty in their studies or later in life. The government and the administration were always ready to help them, she said. She listened to the girls' problems and promised the support needed for their bright future.

The minister spoke to the girls freely. She asked about their studies, health, and living and food arrangements. She reviewed the facilities available at the children's home and learnt of the girls' difficulties.

Tatkare asked the girls to put forward their problems and suggestions without hesitation. She made it clear that children's homes must provide good education, nutritious food, health facilities and a safe environment. She directed the local administration to pay special attention to this and to provide the necessary facilities.

She appealed to the girls of the Balikashram to fight their circumstances, pursue higher education and prepare for competitive examinations. She advised them to recognise their potential and move ahead with confidence. She also asked them to take advantage of opportunities in sports and other fields alongside their studies.

Tatkare expressed confidence that the girls could go on to serve in various administrative posts and contribute to the development of society. She also said the administration was positive about making the necessary improvements to the children's home facilities and that needed help would be provided in the girls' interest.

On the occasion of Children's Day, an initiative called "Collector for a Day" was run, conceived by District Collector Dr Mitali Sethi. Under it, Achal Vasave, a Class 11 student of Savitribai Phule Secondary School, Sorapada, got the chance to serve as Collector and understand how the administration works. She visited the Collector's office and learnt about the work of various departments.

Achal said her dream was to become a civil services officer through competitive examinations. Dr Sethi said the aim of the initiative was to spark girls' interest in administrative service and inspire them to take competitive examinations. Senior officials of the district administration, including Madhavi Sardeshmukh, Commissioner of the Women and Child Development department, were present.