Panipat (Haryana), Jan 22 (IANS): In a determined effort to counter the adverse sex ratio in the country, Prime Minister Narendra Modi Thursday launched the nationwide 'Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao' (save girl child and educate her) campaign from Panipat, in Haryana.

The prime minister flagged off 72 campaign vehicles (raths) on the occasion that will make people aware about the need to save the girl child in areas where the sex ratio is adverse.

The campaign has been launched from Haryana as the state has the worst sex ratio (number of females per 1,000 males) and child sex ratio in the country. Out of the 100 worst districts in India for sex ratio, Haryana accounts for 12 districts.

The campaign, to be initiated in 100 worst districts in the country for sex ratio, will sensitize people about the safety and education of the girl child, skewed sex ratio, prevention of female foeticide and women empowerment.

The beginning of the campaign saw its brand ambassador actress Madhuri Dixit, and a number of union ministers, including J.P. Nadda, Maneka Gandhi, Ravi Shankar Prasad, Birender Singh, Smriti Irani, Krishan Pal Gurjar and Rao Inderjit Singh, besides Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar and other leaders attending the event.