From an Sex Ratio at Birth (SRB) of 918 in 2014-15, India’s SRB improved to 930 in 2023-24, marking steady progress in overcoming gender-based biases in birth.
The Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) scheme, launched by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on January 22, 2015, in Panipat, Haryana, has completed a decade of impactful implementation. This flagship initiative of the Government of India addresses several critical issues, including the declining Child Sex Ratio (CSR), gender-biased sex-selective practices, and the need for greater access to education and opportunities for the girl child. Over the past ten years, BBBP has evolved into one of the most effective and influential social initiatives in India.
The 10th anniversary of BBBP is being celebrated in 2025 with a series of events that highlight the progress made in empowering women and girls. The celebrations, spanning from January 22 to March 8, 2025, culminate on International Women’s Day. The initiative aligns with India’s vision of a Viksit Bharat 2047, marking a global shift from Women’s Development to Women-Led Development. A key part of the anniversary will include an inaugural ceremony led by prominent leaders, launching new initiatives like Mission Vatsalya and Mission Shakti portals. Cultural events, rallies, and awareness campaigns will also engage communities at the grassroots level, furthering the mission of women’s empowerment.
Integration with Mission Shakti
BBBP has now been integrated into Mission Shakti, a comprehensive program aimed at women’s safety and empowerment. This program, spanning the 15th Finance Commission period from 2021-2026, is divided into two broad sub-schemes:
- Sambal: Safety and Security
Sambal focuses on ensuring women’s safety through One Stop Centres (OSCs), the Women Helpline (181), and the BBBP scheme, which has now been expanded nationwide. Additionally, Nari Adalat provides a grievance redressal mechanism for minor issues like harassment and rights violations. - Samarthya: Empowerment
Samarthya works to empower women through initiatives such as Shakti Sadans (safe spaces), Sakhi Niwas (secure shelters for working women), and Palna-Creche (childcare facilities for working mothers). It also includes Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY), which supports the health and welfare of pregnant women, including a second child if it is a girl.
The expanded focus of the BBBP, through its integration with Mission Shakti, takes a multi-sectoral approach involving health, education, child development, and community awareness. The efforts of multiple ministries have collaborated over the past decade, significantly transforming the landscape of gender equality in India.
Key Objectives of BBBP
The BBBP scheme focuses on several key objectives to ensure comprehensive improvement in the status of girls and women across India:
- Improving the Sex Ratio at Birth (SRB) by two points every year.
- Ensuring 95% or above institutional deliveries consistently.
- Achieving a 1% increase in first trimester Ante-Natal Care (ANC) registration each year.
- Raising enrollment in secondary education for girls, coupled with skilling initiatives.
- Tackling the dropout rates for girls in secondary and higher secondary education.
- Promoting Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM) for awareness and hygiene.
Target Groups and Focus Areas
BBBP primarily targets:
- Primary Target Groups:
- Young and newly married couples
- Adolescents (girls and boys)
- Households and communities
- Secondary Target Groups:
- Schools and Anganwadi Centres (AWCs)
- Healthcare professionals, hospitals, and diagnostic centres
- Panchayats, Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), and frontline workers
- Women Collectives, Self-Help Groups (SHGs), and Civil Society Organizations
The campaign also actively engages media, religious leaders, financial institutions, and industry experts to help spread awareness about the benefits and importance of the BBBP scheme.
Financial and Operational Structure
The BBBP is a centrally sponsored scheme with 100% funding from the central government. Financial assistance to districts varies based on the Sex Ratio at Birth (SRB), as follows:
- Rs. 40 Lakh for districts with an SRB ≤ 918
- Rs. 30 Lakh for districts with an SRB between 919-952
- Rs. 20 Lakh for districts with an SRB > 952
Key Developments and Success
BBBP’s success is evident in its tangible impact over the last decade:
- Improvement in Sex Ratio at Birth (SRB)
From an SRB of 918 in 2014-15, India’s SRB improved to 930 in 2023-24, marking steady progress in overcoming gender-based biases in birth. - Increase in Girl’s Enrollment in Secondary Education
Girls’ enrollment in secondary education has increased significantly, with the Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) for girls rising from 75.51% in 2014-15 to 78% in 2023-24. This reflects the successful educational interventions of BBBP. - Increased Institutional Deliveries
The emphasis on healthcare has resulted in institutional deliveries rising from 61% in 2014-15 to over 97.3% by 2023-24, ensuring safer childbirths and contributing to improved maternal and infant mortality rates. - Awareness Campaigns
Campaigns like ‘Selfie with Daughters’ and community events such as ‘Beti Janmotsav’ have gained nationwide traction, celebrating the birth of girls and encouraging positive perceptions of gender equality. - Skilling and Economic Empowerment of Women
In collaboration with the Ministry of Skill Development, BBBP has promoted skill development programs for young girls and women, enhancing their participation in the workforce and economic activities.
As the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao scheme celebrates its 10th anniversary, it stands as a beacon of hope and empowerment for India’s daughters. Through sustained efforts and an integrated approach with programs like Mission Shakti, India is gradually creating a society where every girl has the opportunity to realize her full potential. This decade of progress marks only the beginning of a brighter, more inclusive future for women in India, aligning with the vision of a Viksit Bharat by 2047—a nation where women are not only educated and empowered but also lead the way forward.
