The Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) scheme marks a significant milestone in India’s journey towards gender equality and the empowerment of the girl child. Launched on January 22, 2015, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Panipat, Haryana, BBBP has completed 9 years and aims to address the declining Child Sex Ratio (CSR) and promote the education and welfare of girls across the country.
Key Initiatives and Objectives:
Under the BBBP scheme, a tri-ministerial effort involving the Ministries of Women and Child Development, Health & Family Welfare, and Education has been instrumental. The primary objectives include preventing gender-biased sex selective elimination, ensuring the survival and protection of girl children, and promoting their education.
Initially launched in 100 districts in 2014-15, the scheme expanded to cover 161 additional districts in 2015-16. Recognizing its initial success, the Prime Minister announced its pan-India expansion to encompass all 640 districts of the country on March 8, 2018, International Women’s Day. This expansion included a robust nationwide media campaign and intensive interventions in select districts.
Achievements and Milestones:
Over the past 9 years, BBBP has achieved remarkable milestones:
– Improvement in Sex Ratio at Birth (SRB): The national SRB has shown a significant increase, reflecting a shift in societal attitudes towards valuing the girl child. From 918 in 2014-15, it rose to 937 in 2020-21.
– Health and Education: Percentage of First Trimester ANC registration has risen from 51% to 73.9%, while institutional deliveries increased from 87% to 94.8% during the same period. Gross Enrolment Ratio of girls in secondary education has improved from 77.45% to 81.32%.
– Community Engagement: BBBP has fostered community mobilization through awareness campaigns, sensitization programs, and local initiatives aimed at challenging gender stereotypes and promoting the rights of the girl child.
Innovative Interventions:
District administrations have implemented innovative strategies under BBBP, such as digital display boards for birth statistics, local champion programs, and campaigns against son-centric rituals like child marriage. These initiatives have garnered widespread acceptance and participation across various states, significantly impacting societal norms.
Future Directions:
Looking ahead, BBBP continues its mission to create an enabling environment for the holistic development of the girl child. Future endeavors include enhancing educational opportunities, improving health outcomes, and further reducing gender disparities across all districts of India.
As Beti Bachao Beti Padhao completes nine years, its journey stands as a testament to India’s commitment to gender equity and the empowerment of its daughters. The scheme’s success underscores the transformative power of multi-sectoral collaboration and community engagement in fostering a more inclusive and equitable society.
