The Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) initiative was introduced by the Prime Minister on January 22, 2015, in Panipat, Haryana. It aims to tackle the declining Child Sex Ratio (CSR) and promote women’s empowerment throughout different stages of life. The program is a collaborative effort between the Ministries of Women and Child Development, Health & Family Welfare, and Human Resource Development.

Key aspects of the scheme include strict enforcement of the PC & PNDT Act, a nationwide awareness campaign, and multi-sectoral interventions in 100 districts with low CSR during its initial phase. The initiative places a strong focus on changing societal attitudes through training, sensitization programs, awareness drives, and community participation. While BBBP has achieved notable progress over the past decade, challenges persist.

What is Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Scheme?

Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao is a campaign of the Government of India that aims to generate awareness and improve the efficiency of welfare services intended for girls. It is a centrally sponsored scheme with 100% funding from the central government. It is a collaborative effort involving the Ministries of Women & Child Development, Health & Family Welfare, and Education. The scheme was launched with an initial funding of ₹100 crore (US$14 million). It mainly targets the clusters in Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Bihar and Delhi. The scheme focuses on:

•       To prevent gender biased sex selective elimination
•   To ensure survival and Protection of the girl child
•       To ensure education and empowerment of girl child

The program is a joint effort by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, Ministry of Health, and Ministry of Education.

Why Was Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Started?

India has long struggled with gender discrimination. In 2011, the census revealed a worrying trend—the child sex ratio (girls per 1,000 boys) had dropped to 918, one of the lowest in history. Factors like:

• Female foeticide
• Son preference
• Lack of education for girls
  contributed to this decline.

The government launched Beti Bachao Beti Padhao to reverse this trend. The goal was not just to save girls but also to educate and empower them.

Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Objectives

The key Beti Bachao Beti Padhao objectives are:

1. Prevent gender-biased sex selection – Strict enforcement of laws against sex determination tests.
2. Ensure girls’ education – Encourage school enrollment and reduce dropout rates.
3. Improve healthcare – Better nutrition and medical care for girls.
4. Change societal attitudes – Promote gender equality through awareness campaigns.

The scheme operates in districts with low child sex ratios, focusing on community engagement.

Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Objectives 2025

The core objectives have evolved to address current needs:

1.     Education:

o   100% secondary school enrollment by 2027

o   STEM scholarships for 50,000 girls annually

2.     Health:

o   90% immunization coverage in BBBP districts

o   Nutrition programs for adolescent girls

3.     Awareness:

o   Digital campaigns reaching 10 million households monthly

o   Community workshops on gender equality

Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Scheme Benefits

Over the years, the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao scheme benefits have included:

• Improved sex ratios – Some districts reported increases in CSR.
• Higher school enrollment – More girls are attending and completing school.
• Financial incentives – Programs like Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana support girls’ futures.
• Awareness campaigns – Communities are more informed about gender equality.

While progress is slow, the scheme has shifted mindsets in many areas.

10 Years Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Achievements

After 10 years, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao has seen mixed results. Some key Beti Bachao Beti Padhao achievements include:

Recent evaluations show:

Source: MWCD Annual Report 2024, UDISE+ 2024

Key Milestones (2015-2025):
✓ 640 districts showing improved CSR
✓ 4.3 million girls benefiting from education schemes
✓ 32% reduction in female foeticide cases
✓ 9,000+ illegal sex-determination clinics shut down

However, deep-rooted social norms mean the fight is far from over.

Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Details, How the Scheme Works

The Beti Bachao Beti Padhao details include a multi-step approach:

1. Awareness Drives – Workshops, ads, and rallies to change mindsets.
2. School Programs – Scholarships, free textbooks, and girls’ toilets in schools.
3. Health Initiatives – Vaccination drives and nutrition programs.
4. Legal Enforcement – Punishing those involved in sex-selective practices.

The scheme also partners with local bodies for better implementation.

Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Implementation

The Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) programme in Haryana follows a structured approach that focuses on community awareness, widespread publicity, and social change to encourage a positive mindset toward daughters. The initiative is a collaborative effort between the Departments of Women and Child Development, Health, and Education.

Key Implementation Strategies:

• Strict Legal Measures:
  • Prevent illegal medical terminations of pregnancy (MTPs), unauthorized ultrasounds, unqualified practitioners, and sex-selection drugs.
  • Conduct inspections, raids, and undercover operations.
  • Gather intelligence on such activities in neighboring states.
• Recognition & Awards:
  • Haryana received the Nari Shakti Puraskar (Kannagi Devi Award) in 2015 for its efforts in improving the Child Sex Ratio through coordinated action by the Women & Child Development, Health, and Education Departments.
  • The National Award for Beti Padhao was presented to Yamunanagar district on Balika Divas (January 24, 2017) for notable progress.
• Administrative Initiatives:
  • Establishment of Haryana Kanya Kosh for the welfare of girl children.
  • Implementation of the Aapki Beti Hamari Beti Scheme, under which:
    • ₹21,000 is invested with LIC in the name of the first girl child in SC and BPL families.
    • The second girl child in any family, regardless of caste or number of sons, is also eligible.
    • The benefit has now been extended to the third girl child.
  • Promotion of Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana, leading to the opening of 2.62 lakh accounts in post offices and banks.
  • A BBBP secretariat was set up in the Chief Minister’s office to monitor and review progress.
  • Officials from the secretariat and WCD Department visited villages with the lowest sex ratios to assess the situation and suggest corrective actions.
• Collaborations & Monitoring:
  • Signed an MoU with FICCI and CII to support BBBP’s mission.
  • Developed Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for monitoring progress on the CM Dashboard.
  • Regular BBBP review meetings at the state headquarters to ensure effective implementation.

Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Key Initiatives

The Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) programme has implemented several initiatives across Haryana to raise awareness, promote gender equality, and improve the well-being of women and girls.

• Health & Awareness Campaigns
  • 1,21,122 health check-up camps conducted.
  • 97.36% Gram Panchayats have Gudda-Guddi Boards displaying child sex ratio data.
  • 10,945 sensitization programs organized on the Sexual Harassment at Workplace Act (2013), menstrual hygiene, gender-based violence, and other related laws at state, district, and block levels.
  • 81 role models (mascots) identified from diverse fields like social work, sports, arts, and academics.
• Community Engagement & Outreach
  • 70,883 signature campaigns conducted to promote gender equality.
  • Oath-taking ceremonies against female foeticide, involving political leaders, district officials, social activists, students, and the community.
  • Tree plantation drives in the name of girl children.
  • 7,207 film screenings on topics like female foeticide, child protection laws (POCSO), gender sensitization, nutrition, and domestic violence.
• Public Awareness & Visibility
  • BBBP logo displayed on Haryana Roadways buses, bus tickets, and government/private school buildings.
  • Awareness boards installed at key locations.
  • Directories created for untrained traditional birth attendants (dais) and 80,957 pregnant women in 12 BBBP districts.
  • 80,000 pregnant women received bulk SMS alerts on health and nutrition.
  • Organized events like “Selfie with Daughters,” balloon cycle rides, Mehndi competitions, and Sanjhi competitions to promote gender-positive messaging.
  • Certificates of appreciation awarded to parents celebrating the birth of a girl child.
• Women’s Welfare & Safety
  • E-rickshaw program for women launched in Karnal (6 e-rickshaws) and Rohtak (25 e-rickshaws).
  • Sanitary napkin vending machines and incinerators installed in 40 senior secondary schools, 2 colleges, and 1 Nari Niketan under Project Sakhi in Karnal.
  • Orientation programs conducted for newly elected Panchayat representatives.
  • Mahila Police Thanas (women police stations) set up in 21 district headquarters, staffed entirely by women officers.
  • Protection-cum-Prohibition officers under the Domestic Violence Act (2005) and Child Marriage Act (2006) placed within these police stations along with support staff.
  • A pilot project for Special Mahila Police Volunteers in two districts with low sex ratios and high crime rates is under government consideration to enhance women’s safety and security.
• Celebrating the Girl Child
  • Aapki Beti Hamari Beti Utsav celebrated, honoring 4,98,583 girls with a baby care kit containing a towel, cap, feeding bowl with spoon, balloon, whistle, biscuits, and 1 kg Panjiri.

These initiatives reflect Haryana’s commitment to improving gender equality, women’s empowerment, and child welfare through a multi-faceted approach.

Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Challenges and the Road Ahead

Despite progress, challenges remain:

•       Reports indicate that a significant portion of BBBP funds has been allocated to publicity. For instance, between 2014-15 and 2018-19, more than 56% of the funds were spent on advertising, with less than 25% released to districts and states for direct implementation.
•       The Comptroller and Auditor General of India reported that the scheme did not fully achieve its objectives in certain areas, with some districts experiencing a decline in the sex ratio despite the program’s implementation.

• Slow mindset change – Many still prefer sons over daughters.
• Uneven implementation – Some districts see better results than others.
• Need for stricter laws – Illegal sex determination persists in some areas.

For Beti Bachao Beti Padhao to succeed, sustained efforts from government, communities, and families are crucial.

The Beti Bachao Beti Padhao scheme has made strides in improving girls’ lives over the past decade. While achievements like better sex ratios and education rates are promising, societal change takes time. Continued efforts in awareness, education, and law enforcement will ensure a brighter future for India’s daughters.

Are you preparing for UPSC 2025? Join IAShub’s UPSC coaching batches to boost your preparation. Enroll now!

Beti Bachao Beti Padhao FAQs