The UN Women and UNICEF have praised the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao scheme for its holistic approach in improving the welfare of girls. The BBBP scheme is considered a model for other nations grappling with similar gender disparity challenges.
Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the government has introduced numerous initiatives aimed at promoting the welfare, education, and empowerment of the girl child in India. These initiatives focus on providing protection, ensuring equal opportunities, and breaking the barriers that girls face due to gender discrimination. Here are some key facts about the government’s efforts to shape the future of the girl child in India.
Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) Scheme
Launched in 2015, the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) scheme aims to address gender imbalances and promote the education, health, and empowerment of girls. Since its inception, the initiative has made significant strides in improving the overall welfare of the girl child across India, with measurable impacts on various social indicators.
Improvement in Sex Ratio
BBBP has played a pivotal role in improving the child sex ratio (0-6 years) in several states. According to the Ministry of Women and Child Development, the child sex ratio has improved from 919 girls per 1,000 boys in 2011 to 919 girls per 1,000 boys in 2021, reflecting a steady rise in the number of girl children. Notably, states like Haryana have seen a remarkable improvement, with a rise in the sex ratio from 850 girls per 1,000 boys in 2015 to 933 girls per 1,000 boys in 2021.
Increase in Girls’ Enrollment in Schools
The scheme has significantly boosted the enrollment of girls in schools, particularly in rural and underdeveloped areas. According to the Ministry of Education, girls’ enrollment in schools has risen by 8.1% between 2015 and 2021. The gender parity index in education has also seen an improvement, with more girls attending secondary and higher secondary schools across states such as Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar.
Impact in Rural Areas
The program has proven most effective in rural areas where gender biases and discrimination against girls have historically been more prominent. According to a study by the UNICEF India, the BBBP scheme contributed to a 32% increase in the number of girls enrolled in schools in rural areas, especially in states like Bihar, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh.
Ambassadors and Community Engagement
One of the key strategies of BBBP is engaging local influencers and community leaders to raise awareness and advocate for the rights of girls. As of 2021, over 7 lakh BBBP ambassadors have been involved in spreading the message of the scheme at the grassroots level. These ambassadors include schoolteachers, healthcare professionals, and local government officials, who have contributed to changing societal attitudes towards girls.
Reduction in Female Infanticide and Foeticide
BBBP has also been instrumental in reducing instances of female infanticide and foeticide, particularly in states with historically low female-to-male ratios. Data from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare shows a decline in female foeticide by 9.2% between 2015 and 2020, a result of increasing awareness about gender equality and girls’ rights.
Social Media and Media Campaigns
The initiative has been backed by powerful social media and media campaigns aimed at changing societal mindsets regarding gender discrimination. The government launched #SelfieWithDaughter as part of the scheme, which went viral and gained widespread recognition, involving citizens from across the country in promoting the cause of the girl child.
Support from International Bodies
The Beti Bachao Beti Padhao scheme has received international recognition for its focus on gender equality. The UN Women and UNICEF have praised the initiative for its holistic approach in improving the welfare of girls. The BBBP scheme is considered a model for other nations grappling with similar gender disparity challenges.
The BBBP scheme has had a transformative impact on improving the status of the girl child in India. Through improved enrollment rates, better health and nutrition, and an enhanced social environment, the scheme has contributed significantly to the empowerment of girls, ensuring they are given equal opportunities to thrive and succeed in life.
Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana
Launched in 2015, the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY) has been a game-changer in ensuring the financial security of girl children in India. This initiative encourages parents and guardians to invest in their daughters’ future by offering a higher interest rate compared to regular savings accounts. The scheme not only aims to secure the financial needs of girls for education, marriage, and other future requirements but also promotes long-term savings.
Increase in Account Openings
Since its launch, over 6 crore Sukanya Samriddhi accounts have been opened across India, as of 2021, with a significant surge in participation from rural and semi-urban areas. The scheme has seen widespread adoption due to its attractive interest rate and the financial benefits it offers to parents of girl children.
Higher Interest Rate
One of the key features of the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana is its interest rate, which is consistently higher than other small savings schemes, such as post office savings or bank savings accounts. Currently, the interest rate stands at 7.6% per annum (as of 2021), making it one of the most attractive savings schemes in the country. The rate is reviewed and adjusted every quarter, ensuring that the scheme remains competitive and beneficial for savers.
Total Deposits Under the Scheme
The cumulative deposits under the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana have exceeded ₹60,000 crore as of 2021. This substantial amount highlights the growing trust in the scheme, as well as its impact on the financial inclusion of families across India. It has become a popular tool for ensuring the future of girl children, particularly in rural households where access to formal financial instruments is limited.
Tax Benefits
The scheme offers significant tax benefits under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act, 1961. Contributions to Sukanya Samriddhi accounts are eligible for tax deductions, making it a compelling option for parents looking to save for their daughters’ future. The interest earned and maturity amount are also tax-free, ensuring a higher return on investment.
Impact on Rural and Underprivileged Families
Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana has witnessed extensive adoption in rural and underprivileged areas. According to the Ministry of Finance, over 40% of the accounts are opened in rural areas, where financial awareness is typically lower. The scheme has enabled families, particularly in remote villages, to secure the financial future of their daughters without the burden of heavy upfront costs.
Educational and Marriage Expenses
The scheme provides financial flexibility to parents when their daughters reach the age of 18. The funds accumulated in the Sukanya Samriddhi accounts can be used to cover higher education or marriage expenses, giving families the opportunity to support their daughters’ dreams and aspirations without worrying about financial constraints.
International Recognition
The Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana has received recognition for its role in enhancing financial literacy and inclusion for women and girls. Financial experts and institutions globally have praised the scheme for promoting gender equality and providing a platform for women’s empowerment through economic independence.
Role in Women’s Economic Empowerment
By focusing on securing the financial future of girls, the scheme plays a significant role in women’s economic empowerment. It encourages parents to see their daughters as deserving of equal access to education and opportunities. The scheme fosters a mindset shift in rural and semi-urban households, promoting the idea that investing in the future of a girl child is just as crucial as investing in a boy’s future.
Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana has become an essential tool for securing the financial future of millions of girl children across India. By offering a higher interest rate, tax benefits, and a dedicated savings account, the scheme has provided parents with the means to save for their daughters’ education, marriage, and future well-being, thereby empowering them and creating a more secure future for the girl child.
PM CARES for Children Scheme
Shrestha (Scheme for Residential Education for Students in High School in Targeted Areas)
Launched by the Modi government, the Shrestha Scheme (Scheme for Residential Education for Students in High Schools in Targeted Areas) aims to provide quality education to girls from marginalized and underprivileged backgrounds, particularly those living in rural and tribal areas. The scheme is designed to bridge the educational gap between urban and rural areas, ensuring that girls have equal opportunities to thrive academically and personally.
Access to Quality Education in Remote Areas
The Shrestha Scheme focuses on providing residential schooling to girls from disadvantaged communities. The program is aimed at ensuring that girls from rural, tribal, and economically weaker sections of society have access to high-quality education and a safe learning environment. The government has established several residential schools under this scheme, providing an opportunity for these girls to pursue education without the barrier of geographical location.
Vocational Training and Skill Development
In addition to academic education, the Shrestha Scheme focuses on vocational training and life skills development. The scheme provides opportunities for skill development programs, equipping girls with the skills needed for their career progression. By offering courses in areas such as agriculture, hospitality, information technology, and healthcare, the scheme aims to improve girls’ employability and create avenues for economic independence.
Focus on Girls’ Empowerment
The scheme places special emphasis on the empowerment of girls, aiming to provide them with opportunities to excel in life. This initiative empowers girls by giving them access to the resources and support they need to succeed academically, personally, and professionally. It also ensures their holistic development, including improving their confidence and leadership skills.
Support for Marginalized and Tribal Girls
One of the key aspects of the Shrestha Scheme is its targeted approach toward tribal and marginalized girls. The scheme has specific provisions for tribal communities, where educational opportunities are limited, ensuring that these girls have the opportunity to attend high school and further their education in an environment conducive to their learning and growth.
Increased Enrollment and Improved Education Outcomes
Since its inception, the Shrestha Scheme has seen increased enrollment among girls from rural and tribal areas, contributing to better educational outcomes. The scheme has been instrumental in improving school attendance rates and academic performance, as it provides girls with a stable, supportive educational environment where they can focus on their studies and personal development.
Holistic Development through Residential Schools
The residential schools under the Shrestha Scheme offer a safe and secure environment for girls, where they not only receive formal education but also develop life skills such as communication, problem-solving, and decision-making. These schools have hostels, providing girls with a comfortable living environment while they pursue their education.
Focus on Nutrition and Health
The scheme also ensures that girls’ nutritional needs are met, providing balanced meals to promote their health and well-being. Regular health check-ups and a focus on mental health support ensure that the girls’ physical and emotional health is well taken care of, further enhancing their ability to perform academically and lead healthy lives.
Government Investments and Partnerships
The Modi government has allocated substantial funds for the successful implementation of the Shrestha Scheme. The program works in partnership with state governments, local authorities, and various educational organizations to ensure the seamless execution and scaling of residential schools across targeted areas. It also collaborates with NGOs and community organizations to create a sustainable educational ecosystem.
Impact and Reach
As of 2023, the scheme has successfully enrolled thousands of girls across various states, with many students completing their schooling and transitioning into higher education or the workforce. The scheme’s focus on marginalized girls has resulted in positive outcomes, including increased literacy rates and improved educational attainment among girls in remote areas.
The Shrestha Scheme is a transformative initiative by the Modi government that focuses on ensuring equitable access to education for girls, especially those from marginalized, rural, and tribal backgrounds. By providing a residential school-based system, vocational training, and holistic development opportunities, the scheme empowers girls and equips them with the skills and confidence to build successful futures. The scheme’s continued success in increasing enrollment and improving educational outcomes demonstrates its positive impact on girls’ education and empowerment in India.
National Nutrition Mission (Poshan Abhiyaan)
Launched in 2018, the Poshan Abhiyaan (National Nutrition Mission) aims to improve the nutritional status of children, particularly girls, women, and adolescents, with a special focus on rural and tribal areas. The mission is designed to address issues of malnutrition, stunting, undernutrition, and anemia by focusing on the first 1000 days of a child’s life, a crucial period for healthy growth and development.
Focus on Maternal and Child Health
One of the central goals of Poshan Abhiyaan is to improve the nutritional status of pregnant women and mothers to ensure healthy pregnancies and births. The initiative emphasizes the importance of good nutrition during pregnancy, which plays a vital role in preventing low birth weight, preterm births, and other health complications. This focus also extends to newborns and young children, aiming to improve early nutrition, which sets the foundation for lifelong health.
Targeting the First 1000 Days
The first 1000 days, from conception to the child’s second birthday, are a critical window for ensuring proper growth and development. Poshan Abhiyaan has prioritized this period, as optimal nutrition during this time can reduce the risk of stunting, wasting, and other long-term health issues. The scheme has been instrumental in promoting early breastfeeding, appropriate complementary feeding, and micronutrient supplementation to improve the health outcomes of girls.
Focus on Girls and Women’s Nutrition
Girls and women have been a focal point of the Poshan Abhiyaan, particularly in addressing the issue of anemia, which is prevalent among adolescent girls and pregnant women. The program promotes the intake of iron-rich foods and the distribution of iron folic acid tablets to combat iron-deficiency anemia. The initiative also encourages nutrient-rich foods, such as green leafy vegetables, lentils, and fruits, to improve overall nutritional intake.
Improvement in Nutritional Outcomes
Since its launch, the Poshan Abhiyaan has made significant strides in improving nutritional outcomes across India. According to the Ministry of Women and Child Development (2021), the mission has resulted in a reduction in stunting, wasting, and underweight children. National Family Health Survey-5 (NFHS-5) data revealed that stunting declined from 38.4% to 35.5%, and wasting reduced from 21% to 19.3% in children under five years of age, reflecting the mission’s impact on child nutrition.
State-Level Nutrition Initiatives
The mission works in close partnership with state governments and local agencies to implement state-specific interventions tailored to local nutrition challenges. States like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Madhya Pradesh have seen positive outcomes due to the implementation of community-based nutrition programs, such as growth monitoring and nutrition education for women and children. These state-driven initiatives are part of a broader national strategy to promote community-based approaches to combating malnutrition.
Utilizing Technology for Monitoring and Implementation
The Poshan Abhiyaan has embraced technology to monitor nutritional status and ensure effective service delivery. The mission uses a digital platform known as POSHAN Tracker to monitor the delivery of nutritional supplements and track the progress of beneficiaries. This has led to improved data collection and accountability in the delivery of nutrition interventions.
Poshan Abhiyaan’s Multi-Sectoral Approach
The success of Poshan Abhiyaan lies in its multi-sectoral approach, which brings together various stakeholders, including health, education, women and child development, and agriculture sectors, to work collectively towards improving nutrition. The mission focuses on enhancing nutritional awareness, providing clean water, improving sanitation, and encouraging behavioral change to promote healthy lifestyles.
Impact on Adolescent Girls
The scheme has had a positive impact on the nutrition of adolescent girls, focusing on preventing malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies. In many states, adolescent girls are being provided with iron and folic acid supplements and nutrition education to help them make healthier food choices. According to a report by the Ministry of Women and Child Development (2020), the mission has resulted in a notable improvement in the weight and height of adolescent girls, which has contributed to reducing adolescent anemia rates.
Community Engagement and Awareness Campaigns
Poshan Abhiyaan has also invested heavily in community engagement and awareness programs. The mission has launched media campaigns to educate people about the importance of balanced diets, hygiene, and nutrition for girls. These campaigns target both urban and rural populations to increase awareness about the significance of nutrition in early childhood development and to challenge societal norms around food.
Sustainability and Future Goals
With the goal of achieving Zero Hunger and improving the nutritional status of children, the Poshan Abhiyaan continues to work towards its ambitious targets for the future. The program aims to reduce stunting to 25% by 2025 and further improve nutritional outcomes for women and children, ensuring that girls receive the nutrition they need for a healthy, empowered future.
Poshan Abhiyaan has been a landmark initiative under the Modi government that has made substantial progress in improving the nutritional status of girls and women in India. By focusing on maternal health, early childhood nutrition, and girls’ empowerment, the mission is laying the foundation for a healthier, more prosperous future for girls across India.
Mission Vatsalya
Mission Vatsalya, launched by the Ministry of Women and Child Development in 2021, is a comprehensive child protection scheme designed to ensure the safety, well-being, and rehabilitation of vulnerable children, especially girls, in India. The scheme is part of the National Action Plan for Children and aims to provide a robust support system for children at risk, particularly those vulnerable to child trafficking, abuse, exploitation, and neglect.
1. Focus on Protection and Rehabilitation
Mission Vatsalya aims to provide an integrated approach for child welfare, offering essential services, including rescue, rehabilitation, education, healthcare, and psychosocial support for children who have been exploited or abused. The scheme has set up child care institutions (CCIs) and child welfare committees (CWCs) across states to ensure the safe custody, care, and social reintegration of children, especially girls, who have been victims of various forms of exploitation.
2. Rescue and Rehabilitation of Girls
Mission Vatsalya has made significant strides in rescuing girls from child marriage, trafficking, and child labor, ensuring their safe return to families or institutions where they receive the necessary protection. The scheme provides rescue operations through collaborations with police, NGOs, and other agencies, ensuring that victims of child trafficking and abuse are removed from harmful situations and are rehabilitated with support systems in place. In 2021, over 10,000 children, including many girls, were rescued under this mission from various forms of exploitation.
3. Welfare and Support Services
Mission Vatsalya ensures that child victims receive a holistic package of services, including healthcare, education, nutritional support, and vocational training. The scheme provides financial support for the children’s well-being, including food, clothing, housing, and psychological counseling. Over 700 child care institutions (CCIs) have been set up under the mission to cater to more than 50,000 children, providing them with a safe environment to heal and thrive.
4. Child Helpline and Track Child Portal
As part of its rescue operations, Mission Vatsalya utilizes the Child Helpline (1098), a dedicated toll-free number that connects children in distress to immediate assistance, enabling quick interventions in cases of abuse, trafficking, or neglect. The Track Child Portal is another essential tool under the mission, which helps to trace and reunite missing children with their families. Since its inception, the portal has assisted in reuniting over 25,000 children with their families, many of whom were girls separated from their homes due to trafficking or abuse.
5. Focus on Empowerment and Skill Development
Beyond immediate protection and rescue, Mission Vatsalya emphasizes the long-term empowerment of girls through education, vocational training, and life skills development. Girls in child care institutions are enrolled in formal education, skilled trade programs, and entrepreneurship training to ensure they are equipped to become independent and self-reliant members of society. The scheme has been instrumental in facilitating skill development programs for girls, enabling them to gain employable skills, which is essential for their future economic independence and well-being.
6. Collaboration with Stakeholders
Mission Vatsalya works in close coordination with various stakeholders, including NGOs, state governments, local authorities, and civil society organizations, to ensure effective implementation. By creating partnerships with grassroots organizations, the scheme ensures that child protection efforts reach every corner of India, particularly rural and tribal areas, where vulnerable girls are at high risk.
7. Positive Impact and Outcomes
Since its launch, Mission Vatsalya has been instrumental in protecting vulnerable children and improving the quality of life for girls affected by abuse or trafficking. In 2021-2022, the scheme supported the rehabilitation of over 12,000 girls, many of whom were rescued from child marriage and trafficking. Additionally, the Integrated Child Protection Scheme (ICPS), which operates under Mission Vatsalya, has helped reduce child trafficking and labor exploitation by increasing awareness and providing institutional support for victims.
8. Increased Awareness and Community Participation
One of the key aspects of Mission Vatsalya is its focus on community awareness and the active participation of local communities in preventing child trafficking and abuse. Through extensive outreach programs and awareness campaigns, the mission aims to educate families and communities about the importance of protecting girls and raising their voices against exploitation and violence.
9. Reforming Child Protection Systems
Mission Vatsalya plays a critical role in reforming child protection systems by upgrading existing child welfare institutions, improving monitoring mechanisms, and ensuring better governance and accountability in the management of child protection services. This includes strengthening the roles of Child Welfare Committees (CWCs) and District Child Protection Units (DCPUs) to ensure a comprehensive approach to child welfare and safety.
10. Future Goals
The government is committed to expanding the Mission Vatsalya initiative, aiming to increase the number of child care institutions, awareness programs, and rehabilitation centers across the country. The mission seeks to ensure that every vulnerable girl has access to a safe environment, quality education, and mental health support, contributing to their holistic development and social integration.
Mission Vatsalya represents a significant step forward in child protection in India, particularly for vulnerable girls. By focusing on rescue, rehabilitation, education, and empowerment, the scheme ensures that girls who have been victims of abuse or exploitation are provided with the opportunities and resources they need to build a better future. Through this mission, the Modi government is shaping a safer, more just society for every girl in India.
Legal Reforms
These facts highlight the concerted efforts made by the Modi government to not only protect but also empower the girl child through legal reforms, welfare schemes, and educational initiatives, ensuring a brighter future for girls across India.
