Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao (BBBP) is a flagship program of the Government of India, launched in 2015 to address the declining child sex ratio and promote the survival, protection, and education of the girl child. Below is a detailed breakdown of the scheme’s objectives, strategies, and impact. a. Key Objectives: Prevent gender-biased sex selection and eliminate female infanticide. Ensure the survival and protection of the girl child. Promote education and participation of girls in all spheres of life. b. Major Component: Mass Awareness Campaigns: Focused on changing societal attitudes towards daughters and promoting gender equality. Strengthening Implementation of Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act, 1994: Aimed at preventing sex-selective abortions. Girl Education Promotion: Improve enrolment and retention of girls in schools. Provide scholarships and other incentives for girl students. c. Recent Revisions and Focus Areas: In 2022, the program shifted its emphasis towards improving women’s participation in the workforce and enhancing learning outcomes for girls, in addition to previous goals. Some of these newer measures include: STEM education initiatives (encouraging girls to pursue science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). Skilling and vocational training programs for girls. Local support systems such as Anganwadis and school monitoring systems. d. Impact: Improvements in the child sex ratio in several districts across the country. Increased awareness about gender equality. Rise in enrolment of girls in primary and secondary schools. e. Challenges: Despite improvements, child marriage and dropout rates remain concerns. Enforcement of the PCPNDT Act is still weak in certain regions. Societal mindsets towards gender bias need continuous engagement. The Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao campaign remains a cornerstone initiative aimed at addressing gender discrimination and promoting the rights and education of girls. It has encouraged state and district-level governments to take proactive steps in creating a more equitable environment for daughters.
Origin and impact
The Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao (BBBP) scheme was launched by the Government of India on January 22, 2015, in Panipat, Haryana. a. Reasons for Launch: Declining Child Sex Ratio (CSR): As per the Census of 2011, the child sex ratio (0-6 years) dropped to 919 girls per 1000 boys, indicating a preference for male children. Several districts in Haryana, Punjab, Rajasthan, and Gujarat reported alarmingly low CSRs, hinting at rising female infanticide and prenatal sex selection. Social Discrimination Against Girls: Girls often faced neglect, early marriage, and restricted access to education. Societal bias and patriarchal norms further contributed to girls being viewed as liabilities. Lack of Education for Girls: Significant school dropout rates among adolescent girls, especially in rural areas. Many families prioritized boys’ education while restricting educational opportunities for girls. b. Key Initiatives under the Scheme Mass Campaigns for Behaviour Change: Social media drives, rallies, and street plays to influence public attitudes. Engagement with community leaders, parents, and local bodies. Monitoring and Implementing PCPNDT Act: Strict enforcement of the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act, 1994 to prevent sex-selective abortions. Educational Incentives for Girls: Scholarships for girls, free textbooks, uniforms, and separate toilets in schools. Efforts to improve girl child enrolment in STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering, mathematics). Support Through Anganwadis: Community-level interventions to promote nutrition and healthcare for young girls. c. Impacts of the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao Scheme: Improvement in Child Sex Ratio Reports show that the child sex ratio has improved in many districts across states like Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan. Haryana, once infamous for its poor CSR, reported improvements in many districts by 2020. Increased Enrolment of Girls in Schools : Enrolment rates of girls at both primary and secondary levels have improved. Dropout rates among adolescent girls have decreased in regions with focused interventions. 3. Behaviour Change and Increased Awareness A shift in societal attitudes is observed as campaigns reach rural areas, promoting the value of girls. Media campaigns like “Selfie with Daughter” (initiated in Haryana) went viral, fostering positive attitudes toward daughters. 4. Focus on Skilling and Employment The scheme has aligned with programs such as Skill India, promoting vocational training for adolescent girls. Recent focus on STEM education has encouraged more girls to pursue higher studies in science and technology. The Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao scheme has been instrumental in creating awareness and promoting the welfare of girl children in India. It has resulted in improved child sex ratios, higher school enrolment rates, and greater public involvement. However, continued efforts are needed to overcome social barriers, strengthen law enforcement, and ensure quality education to make the scheme’s goals sustainable.
Prospect of the scheme
The Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao initiative has the potential to foster long-term social and economic change. With sustained efforts, it can help build an inclusive society where gender equality becomes the norm, and girls receive equal opportunities for education, health, and employment. The key prospects of the scheme include: a. Improved Gender Equality: Changing societal mindsets will have a ripple effect, promoting equality not just in education but in workplaces, leadership roles, and family life. Increased women’s participation in decision-making—in families, communities, and governance—will enhance gender-balanced policies and practices. b. Impact on Health and Well-being. The emphasis on better healthcare and nutrition for girls will reduce infant mortality rates and improve maternal health. Enhanced access to health services will lower the risks associated with early pregnancies, leading to healthier outcomes for women and children. c. Expansion of the Scheme to Rural and Remote Areas: With consistent efforts, rural and marginalized communities will benefit from increased school enrolment, healthcare, and employment opportunities for girls. Collaborating with local governments, NGOs, and self-help groups will make the scheme more inclusive and accessible in underserved areas. d, Contribution to National Development Goals: Promoting education and empowerment of women aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 5 (Gender Equality) and Goal 4 (Quality Education). With improved female participation in education and employment, the scheme will contribute to economic growth, poverty reduction, and social development. e. Creating a Generation of Change-Makers: By empowering girls, BBBP can cultivate future leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs who will play key roles in shaping the country’s progress. Educated and empowered women will act as role models, inspiring future generations to break social barriers and promote inclusive development. f. Long-term Cultural and Behavioural Shift: As more families embrace daughters as assets rather than liabilities, gender bias and discriminatory practices like dowry will diminish over time. This shift will promote balanced family structures and ensure that daughters receive equal care, opportunities, and respect. The Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao scheme holds immense promise for reshaping India’s social and economic landscape. With consistent implementation, the scheme can empower future generations of women to become key contributors to nation-building. Addressing gaps in infrastructure, law enforcement, and funding will be essential for realizing its full potential, but the long-term prospects remain optimistic for a gender-equal society.