The Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) scheme, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 22, 2015, in Panipat, Haryana, has completed a decade of remarkable progress. The initiative, aimed at addressing the declining Child Sex Ratio (CSR) and promoting the survival, protection, and education of the girl child, has emerged as a transformative social reform in India.
In his statement, Prime Minister Modi emphasized the significance of empowering girls, saying, “Our government prioritizes empowering the girl child and strengthening Nari Shakti. Ensuring dignity and opportunities for girls has been a cornerstone of our development agenda.”
Since 2021, the BBBP scheme has been integrated with Mission Shakti, a comprehensive program focusing on women’s safety and empowerment. Mission Shakti encompasses two sub-schemes: Sambal, which addresses safety and security through initiatives such as One Stop Centres and Women Helplines, and Samarthya, which promotes empowerment by providing Shakti Sadans, rehabilitation homes, and Palna-Creche facilities for working women. Additionally, the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) has been enhanced to provide support for the second child if female, improving maternal health and compensating for wage loss during pregnancy.
Over the past ten years, BBBP has achieved significant milestones in improving the lives of girls across the country. The national Sex Ratio at Birth (SRB) has increased from 918 in 2014-15 to 933 in 2022-23, showcasing the success of initiatives aimed at reducing gender-biased practices. Enrollment in secondary education has also witnessed growth, with the Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) for girls rising from 75.51% in 2014-15 to 79.4% in 2021-22. Institutional deliveries have surged from 87% in 2014-15 to over 94% by 2019-20, ensuring safer childbirth and reducing maternal and infant mortality rates.
Community campaigns like “Selfie with Daughters” and “Beti Janmotsav” have played a vital role in creating societal acceptance and celebrating the girl child. Additionally, collaborations with the Ministry of Skill Development have introduced vocational training and higher education opportunities, particularly for girls from minority communities.
The scheme also addresses critical issues such as gender-biased sex selection, access to education and healthcare for girls, and menstrual hygiene awareness. Initiatives like “Khelo India” encourage girls’ participation in sports, while efforts to improve school infrastructure have led to the construction of toilets and the installation of sanitary pad vending machines, ensuring a healthier and safer environment.
BBBP operates as a centrally sponsored scheme with funding based on district SRB levels. Districts with an SRB of 918 or below receive Rs. 40 lakh annually, while those with an SRB between 919 and 952 receive Rs. 30 lakh, and districts with an SRB above 952 receive Rs. 20 lakh.
As the scheme enters its second decade, its focus shifts toward creating long-term societal change through inclusive policies, better implementation, and greater community participation. Celebrated annually on January 24 as National Girl Child Day, BBBP has laid a strong foundation for valuing and empowering every girl child in India.
