The Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) scheme, launched by Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi on 22nd January, 2015, in Panipat, Haryana, is completing a decade of implementation.
Inquiry revealed that this flagship initiative by the Government of India aims to address the declining Child Sex Ratio (CSR), prevent gender-biased sex-selective elimination and promote the survival, protection and education of the girl child. The scheme has evolved to become one of the most impactful social initiatives by the Indian government.
Integration with Mission Shakti
The BBBP scheme is now integrated with Mission Shakti,a comprehensive program for women’s safety and empowerment, for implementation during the 15th Finance Commission period from 2021-2022 to 2025-2026. Mission Shakti consists of two broader sub-schemes –
The scheme now emphasizes a multi-sectoral approach, involving health, education, child development, and community awareness. Over the past decade, BBBP has expanded its scope through collaborations between multiple ministries.
Key Objectives
The primary objectives include:
Focus Areas and Target Groups
The scheme primarily focuses on:
Financial and Operational Structure
BBBP is a centrally sponsored scheme with 100% funding by the Central Government in all the districts of the country under Sambal vertical of Mission Shakti.
Financial assistance varies based on the Sex Ratio at Birth (SRB) in districts:
Key Developments
The campaign's success is evident in the strides it has made toward addressing gender disparities, with impressive data reflecting its positive impact on society.
1. Improvement in Sex Ratio at Birth (SRB)
· From an SRB of 918 in 2014-15, the national SRB improved to 933 in 2022-23 (Source: HMIS, MoHFW). This steady increase showcases the collective impact of BBBP in raising awareness around the gender-biased practices that negatively affect the sex ratio.
2. Increase in Girl's Enrollment in Secondary Education
3. Increased Institutional Deliveries
4. Awareness Campaigns
5. Skilling and Economic Empowerment of Women
Key Interventions
The scheme operates through two major components:
Multi-Sectoral Interventions
Promoting sports among girls, self-defence camps, construction of girls’ toilets, making available sanitary napkin vending machines and sanitary pads especially in educational institutions, awareness about PC-PNDT Act.
Awareness Campaigns & Community Engagements
National Girl Child Day (NGCD) is celebrated annually on 24th January with campaigns, workshops, and creative competitions. A cross-country bike expedition, "Yashaswini", a group of 150 CRPF women bikers to celebrate women power or Nari Shakti of the country. Focus on menstrual hygiene, self-defence, and gender equality to empower girls holistically. Community sensitization programs such as workshops on menstrual hygiene were held with the distribution of hygiene kits.
Conclusion
The Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) scheme has made significant progress in improving the lives of girls in India. It has helped improve the Sex Ratio at Birth, increase access to education, expand healthcare, and support women’s economic empowerment. By working with government bodies, NGOs, and local communities, the scheme has created a strong foundation for valuing and protecting every girl child. As BBBP enters its second decade, the focus will be on making long-term changes through inclusive policies, better implementation, and active community participation. This will ensure continued progress toward gender equality and empowerment.
References
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