KULGAM, Oct. 3 -- Minister for Social Welfare, Education, Health and Medical Education Sakeena Itoo on Saturday stressed the importance of empowering girls through education and sports while presiding over a felicitation ceremony for top-performing girls' sports teams and NEET qualifiers in Kulgam.

The event, organised under the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) initiative at Government Degree College Kulgam, was held by the Social Welfare Department in collaboration with the Sports and Higher Education departments to recognise achievements of girls in academics and sports.

Addressing the gathering, Itoo said education, sports, skill development and awareness are essential tools for empowering women and girls. She also called for greater a...