The Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) scheme was launched on 22 January 2015 at Panipat, Haryana, to address the declining child sex ratio and promote the survival, protection and education of the girl child. It is a joint initiative of the Ministries of Women and Child Development, Health and Family Welfare, and Education. As Swami Vivekananda said, “There is no chance for the welfare of the world unless the condition of women is improved.” In this spirit, BBBP seeks to ensure the well-being and empowerment of the girl child in India.
The scheme has contributed to the well-being and empowerment of girls in several ways.
1. Improvement in Sex Ratio at Birth
BBBP created strong awareness against gender-biased sex selection and female foeticide. As a result, the national Sex Ratio at Birth improved from 918 in 2014–15 to 930 in 2023–24. This indicates a positive shift in social attitudes towards the birth of a girl child. Similarly, sex ratio in Assam moved from 920 females per 1000 males in 2014-15 to 946 females per 1000 males in 2022-24.
2. Promotion of Girls’ Education
The scheme promotes the idea that daughters must not only be protected but also educated. Through school enrolment drives, community campaigns and local mobilisation, BBBP helped make girls’ education a social priority. The slogan “Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao” turned into a mass message for families, schools and local institutions.
3. Behavioural Change in Society
The scheme has tried to challenge deep-rooted patriarchal practices such as son preference, early marriage and discrimination against daughters. Campaigns like rallies, pledge-taking, school events, wall paintings and village-level awareness programmes created public discussion around gender equality.
4. Convergence of Departments
BBBP follows a multi-sectoral approach. Health departments promote institutional delivery and birth registration. Education departments encourage school enrolment and retention. Women and Child Development departments support awareness and protection measures. Therefore, the scheme links health, education and social empowerment.
5. Link with Other Schemes
BBBP also complements schemes such as Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana, PM Matru Vandana Yojana, POSHAN Abhiyaan, Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya and scholarship programmes. Together, these initiatives support financial security, nutrition, education and dignity of girls.
6. Local-Level Impact
In several districts, BBBP encouraged activities like celebration of the birth of girl children, enrolment campaigns, self-defence training, adolescent health awareness and campaigns against child marriage. These efforts improved the visibility and confidence of girls in public spaces.
Limitations
However, the scheme also faces challenges:
- Gender stereotypes and son preference still continue in many regions.
- Spending on publicity was criticised by committees and civil society groups.
- School retention, nutrition, safety and skill development still need stronger focus.
- Empowerment remains incomplete without economic opportunities and protection from violence.
Conclusion
Thus, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao has played an important role in improving awareness, sex ratio, education and dignity of the girl child. However, real empowerment requires more than slogans. India must strengthen quality education, health services, safety, digital access, skill development and livelihood opportunities. Only then can the girl child move from protection to full participation in national development.
