Chandigarh, Jan 19 (IANS): With Prime Minister Narendra Modi all set to launch 'Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao' programme for the girl child and against female foeticide from Haryana Jan 22, the state education department Monday announced a holiday in all schools on that date.

An official spokesperson said that Prime Minister Modi would launch the national programme 'Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao' in Panipat city, 75 km from here, to sensitize people about the safety and education of the girl child, skewed sex ratio, prevention of female foeticide and women empowerment.

Modi has chosen Haryana for the launch of the campaign as the state has the worst sex ratio among all states in the country.

Haryana's sex ratio stands at just 879 females per 1,000 males.

Modi has, in the past, pointed out that out of the 15 worst districts in the country in terms of sex ratio, nine are in Haryana.

Out of the 100 worst performing districts on sex ratio in the country, 12 are in Haryana.