On 22nd January 2025, the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) scheme completed its 10 years. The scheme was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on this day in 2015 in Panipat, Haryana. The first decade of the scheme has been impactful.
Marking the completion of a decade of BBBP, Prime Minister Narendra Modi wrote on X, “Today we mark 10 years of the #BetiBachaoBetiPadhao movement. Over the past decade, it has become a transformative, people-powered initiative and has drawn participation from people across all walks of life.” Notably, in just one year, there was a dramatic rise in birth of girl child in Haryana.
Today we mark 10 years of the #BetiBachaoBetiPadhao movement. Over the past decade, it has become a transformative, people powered initiative and has drawn participation from people across all walks of life.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 22, 2025
He added that the scheme has been instrumental in overcoming gender biases and at the same time it has created the right environment to ensure that the girl child has access to education and opportunities to achieve her dreams.
#BetiBachaoBetiPadhao has been instrumental in overcoming gender biases and at the same time it has created the right environment to ensure that the girl child has access to education and opportunities to achieve her dreams.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 22, 2025
The PM said, “Thanks to the dedicated efforts of the people and various community service organisations, #BetiBachaoBetiPadhao has achieved remarkable milestones. Districts with historically low child sex ratios have reported significant improvements and awareness campaigns have instilled a deeper sense of the importance of gender equality.”
Thanks to the dedicated efforts of the people and various community service organisations, #BetiBachaoBetiPadhao has achieved remarkable milestones. Districts with historically low child sex ratios have reported significant improvements and awareness campaigns have instilled a…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 22, 2025
“I compliment all stakeholders who have made this movement vibrant at the grassroots level. Let us continue to protect the rights of our daughters, ensure their education and create a society where they can thrive without any discrimination. Together, we can ensure that the coming years bring even greater progress and opportunity for India’s daughters,” PM Modi added.
I compliment all stakeholders who have made this movement vibrant at the grassroots level. Let us continue to protect the rights of our daughters, ensure their education and create a society where they can thrive without any discrimination. Together, we can ensure that the coming…
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 22, 2025
The flagship initiative was aimed at addressing gender disparities, improving the Child Sex Ratio (CSR), and promoting education for girls. Over the years, the scheme has achieved significant milestones. Here are the six achievements the Central and state governments have achieved.
Improvement in the sex ratio at birth
One of the most important aspects of the scheme was to improve the sex ratio at birth. Over the decade, it rose from 918 in 2014-15 to 933 in 2022-23. This reflects the effectiveness of nationwide awareness campaigns against gender-biased practices.
Increased enrolment in secondary education
In 2014-15, 75.51% of girls were enrolled in secondary education. The numbers have seen a substantial boost, with the Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) increasing from 75.51% in 2014-15 to 79.4% in 2021-22. Educational initiatives under BBBP have been instrumental in this progress.
Focus on skill development
Beti Bachao Beti Padhao has partnered with the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship to promote vocational training for young girls and women. Initiatives such as ‘Khelo India’ have also contributed to identifying and nurturing talent in sports among girls.
Rise in institutional deliveries
Institutional deliveries have increased from 87% in 2014-15 to over 94% by 2019-20. This improvement has significantly enhanced maternal and infant health outcomes, reducing mortality rates.
Holistic Empowerment through Mission Shakti
The government has integrated Mission Shakti into BBBP, which has expanded the scheme’s scope, ensuring safety, education, and economic empowerment of women. Programmes such as self-defence camps, awareness campaigns, and menstrual hygiene management have been game changers.
Community engagement and awareness campaigns
Activities like ‘Selfie with Daughter’ and ‘Beti Janmotsav’ have gained national attention, fostering community involvement. Events celebrating National Girl Child Day and campaigns focused on gender equality have further strengthened the scheme’s impact.
Research findings on the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao scheme
A study by Dr K Barathiraja and AS Naveenkumar, published in the South Eastern European Journal of Public Health (SEEJPH) in September last year highlighted the substantial progress achieved through the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) scheme in Dharmapuri District, Tamil Nadu, between 2019 and 2023. The research was based on data collected via various sources including RTI.
The research underscores the scheme’s impressive outcomes, particularly in healthcare and education. Educational enrolment for girls witnessed significant growth, with primary level enrolment increasing by 25% and high school enrolment by 24%. This is attributed to the comprehensive interventions under BBBP, which have fostered greater access to education for girls. Healthcare access has also improved markedly, supported by initiatives benefiting over 1,333 Anganwadi centres and bolstering maternal and child health services in the district.
The funding for the scheme grew from ₹25,00,000 in 2019-2020 to ₹30,00,000 in 2022-2023, enabling broader multi-departmental coordination. Resources were strategically allocated across education, health, social welfare, and law enforcement departments, ensuring a balanced approach to addressing gender equality.
The study also highlighted the role of community engagement in the scheme’s success, with widespread participation in educational and healthcare initiatives. The researchers noted that BBBP has mobilised collective efforts from various stakeholders, creating a robust support system for empowering girl children.
This study was about only one district. Similar results have been noticed across nation. Efforts have been made by both central and state governments to address gender-based issues which added strength to BBBP scheme.
BBBP has now entered its second decade. The government is aiming to sustain the momentum with a multi-sectoral approach. The focus is expected to remain on long-term policies and active community participation to empower every girl child.