On 22nd January 2015, the Government of India launched the BBBP initiative in Panipat, Haryana, meaning “Save the Daughter, Educate the Daughter.” The main objective is to tackle the issue of the declining Child Sex Ratio (CSR) and support women empowerment over their entire life.
Objectives of the BBBP Scheme:
- Prevent Gender-Biased Sex-Selective Elimination: Social practices that result in the killing of female babies.
- Guarantee the Well-Being and Safety of Girls. Ensure that girls are safe and healthy.
- Support and encourage girls to go to school and join in activities. Encourage more girls to attend school and stay there and help them take part in the growth of their communities.
Implementation and Coverage:
BBBP is a joint scheme of the Ministries of Women and Child Development, Health & Family Welfare, and Education. Starting with 100 low CSR districts first, the scheme has now been extended to all of the nation’s districts.
Key Components:
•Media and Advocacy Campaign: Nationwide campaign to create awareness and challenge social attitudes that prefer sons to daughters.
• Multi-Sectoral Interventions: The coordination of interventions at the national, state, and district levels to enhance girls’ education and health services.
•Facilitating Girl Child Education: Programs to empower girls with quality education and vocational skills training.
Achievements:
The scheme has helped enhance the Sex Ratio at Birth (SRB), enhancing education access, quality healthcare facilities, and economically empowering women.
Challenges and Criticisms:
In spite of its success, the BBBP program has been marred by controversies. It has been alleged that the majority of the money was used for publicity and not for direct interventions. For example, during 2014-15 and 2018-19, over 56% was used for advertisement. Also, the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has claimed that the scheme did not meet the goal in some districts with the sex ratios deteriorating in some districts.
Conclusion:
Beti Bachao Beti Padhao is a step in bridging the gender gaps in India. It has come a long way, but effort must be sustained to spend funds properly and overcome the ingrained social practices supporting gender prejudices.
