10 Years of BBBP

The Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao (BBBP) scheme was launched on January 22, 2015 , by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Panipat, Haryana . It was introduced as a response to the declining Child Sex Ratio (CSR) and aims to ensure the survival, protection, and education of the girl child .

Now in its 10th year , the scheme has seen significant progress in gender equality , though challenges remain.

Objectives of BBBP

  • Improve Child Sex Ratio (CSR) and prevent gender-biased sex selection.
  • Ensure survival and protection of the girl child through healthcare and institutional support.
  • Promote education and participation of girls by increasing school enrollment and reducing dropouts.
  • Raise awareness to challenge societal biases and discriminatory practices.
10 Years of BBBP

Achievements of BBBP

Improvement in Sex Ratio at Birth (SRB)

  • SRB increased from 918 girls per 1,000 boys in 2014-15 to 930 in 2023-24 .
  • Districts with historically low SRB, like Mahendragarh and Jhajjar (Haryana) , reported improvements.
  • Awareness campaigns like "Selfie with Daughter" changed public perception about girl children.

Prevention of Female Foeticide

  • Implementation of the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act to prevent gender-biased sex selection.
  • Community initiatives like "Beti Janmotsav" (celebrating the birth of a girl child) gained traction.

Improvement in Girls' Education

  • Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) for girls in secondary education increased from 75.51% (2014-15) to 78% (2023-24) .
  • "Kanya Shiksha Pravesh Utsav" initiative helped re-enroll over 100,000 out-of-school girls .
  • Expansion of Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas (KGBV) to provide education to disadvantaged girls.

Maternal and Child Healthcare

  • Institutional deliveries rose from 61% (2014-15) to over 97.3% (2023-24) .
  • Improvement in maternal and infant mortality rates due to better healthcare access.

Economic Empowerment

  • Collaboration with the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship for skill development programs .
  • "Betiyan Bane Kushal" program trained young women for economic independence .
  • Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY) promoted financial security for girls by enabling parents to save for their daughters' future.

Integration with Mission Shakti (2021-2026)

The integration of BBBP with Mission Shakti under the 15th Finance Commission period (2021-26) added two sub-schemes:

  • Sambal (Safety & Security)
    • One-Stop Centres, Women Helplines (181) , and expansion of BBBP.
  • Samarthya (Empowerment & Welfare)
    • Sakhi Niwas for working women.
    • Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY) now supports a second child if it is a girl .

Challenges in Implementation

Cultural and Societal Resistance

  • Deep-rooted patriarchal norms still hinder progress in many regions.
  • Changing mindsets requires sustained community engagement and education .

Uneven Resource Allocation

  • Some districts receive more funds than others , leading to disparities in implementation .
  • Need for equitable distribution of financial and administrative resources.

Monitoring and Evaluation Issues

  • Lack of robust tracking mechanisms to assess the effectiveness of interventions.
  • Strengthening data collection and impact assessment is crucial.

    • School Dropout Rates Among Girls

    • Despite progress, many girls drop out at the secondary and higher secondary levels .
    • Need for incentives (scholarships, transport facilities, hostel facilities) to retain them in schools.

    Best Practices & Success Stories

    Haryana – Model of Transformation

    • Once infamous for gender discrimination , Haryana improved its Sex Ratio at Birth (SRB) from 879 (2015) to 922 (2023) .
    • Strict enforcement of PCPNDT Act and grassroots awareness campaigns .

    Rajasthan – Promoting Girls' Education

    • Rajiv Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya program expanded girls’ access to education.
    • Boarding schools in remote areas reduced dropout rates .

    Bihar – Financial Empowerment

    • "Kanya Utthan Yojana" provided financial incentives for girls' education and legal-age marriage.
    • Helped reduce child marriages and empowered young women .

    International Comparisons

    • China's "Care for Girls" program aims to promote gender equality and support single-child families with daughters .
    • Rwanda’s policies focus on women's empowerment and gender-balanced governance .
    • India’s BBBP draws lessons from global models , emphasizing the need for continuous innovation and adaptation .

    The Road Ahead – Future Priorities

    • Strengthening Community Engagement: More grassroots participation to change social attitudes towards girls.
    • Policy Innovations: New, inclusive policies to meet evolving needs of women and girls.
    • Digital Education & Awareness: Expanding digital education initiatives for girls in remote and rural areas .
    • Economic Opportunities for Women: Scaling up skill development and creating more employment opportunities for women.

    Vision for a Gender-Equal Future

    As BBBP completes a decade, its impact on gender equality and women’s empowerment is evident. However, sustained efforts, policy innovations, and community participation are needed to ensure long-term success .

    With continued focus, India’s vision of "Viksit Bharat 2047" can be achieved through women-led development , ensuring that daughters are not just born but celebrated, educated, and empowered to lead the nation’s progress.