National Girl Child Day 2024: A Look Back at the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao Scheme and Its Impact

Every year on January 24th, India celebrates National Girl Child Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness about the rights and challenges faced by girls in the country. This year, the day holds even greater significance as it marks the ninth anniversary of the launch of the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao (BBBP) scheme, a flagship initiative aimed at addressing gender inequality and empowering girls.

National Girl Child Day 2024

It is important to consider the tremendous progress made in empowering and securing the future of girls in India on National Girl Child Day in 2024. A key component of this effort is the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao (Save the Daughter, Educate the Daughter) program, which was introduced to combat gender-based discrimination and advance girls’ education. Since its start, the program has helped to create an atmosphere that is supportive of girls’ holistic development and to increase awareness of the value of girls. Through its emphasis on the complementary roles of education and protection, the program has been instrumental in subverting traditional conventions and prejudices.

Every year on National Girl Child Day, India not only recognizes the challenges faced by young girls but also celebrates the critical role of inclusive education in their empowerment. This day coincides with the anniversary of the “Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao” (Save the Girl Child, Educate the Girl Child) initiative launched in 2015 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This program aims to foster a society where girls not only survive but thrive, and inclusive education plays a central role in achieving that goal.

On this day, we must celebrate the gains that have been made, acknowledge the problems that still need to be solved, and reaffirm our commitment to giving every girl in the nation a better and more equitable future.

What is the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao Scheme?

The Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao (BBBP) scheme is a flagship initiative of the Indian government that was launched in 2015 to address the declining child sex ratio (CSR) in India and empower girls. The scheme has a three-pronged approach: preventing gender-biased sex selection, improving the survival and well-being of girls, and empowering girls and women. The scheme focuses on three key areas:

• Preventing gender-biased sex selection: This includes raising awareness about the evils of female feticide and sex-selective abortion, as well as strengthening laws and regulations to prevent such practices.
• Improving the survival and well-being of girls: This involves ensuring access to quality healthcare, education, and nutrition for girls, as well as addressing issues like child marriage and early motherhood.
• Empowering girls and women: This includes promoting education and skilling opportunities for girls, as well as creating a more enabling environment for their participation in all spheres of life.

What has been the impact of the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Scheme?

The Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao (BBBP) scheme has had a significant impact on the lives of girls in India since its launch in 2015. Some of the key achievements include:

• A rise in the child sex ratio: According to the latest census data, the child sex ratio (girls per 1000 boys) in India has increased from 918 in 2011 to 940 in 2021. While this may seem like a small increase, it represents a significant shift in the right direction, especially considering the long-standing trend of declining CSR.
• Increased enrollment of girls in schools: The gross enrollment ratio (GER) for girls in elementary schools has increased from 94.75% in 2014-15 to 99.24% in 2021-22. This means that more girls are now attending school and completing their education, which is crucial for their future empowerment.
• A decline in child marriage: The prevalence of child marriage among girls under 18 years has declined from 26.8% in 2015-16 to 23.3% in 2020-21. While child marriage remains a concern, this decline is encouraging and suggests that the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao  scheme’s efforts to raise awareness and address the root causes of child marriage are having an impact.

Challenges to Overcoming Gender Inequality in India

While the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao scheme has undoubtedly made strides towards a more equitable future for girls in India, several challenges remain. These hurdles require continued efforts and innovative solutions to fully empower girls and dismantle deeply ingrained gender disparities.

• Deep-rooted patriarchal attitudes: Traditional societal norms and beliefs that favor sons over daughters continue to permeate Indian culture. This manifests in various ways, from unequal resource allocation within families to limited educational opportunities and expectations for girls. Challenging these ingrained biases requires a multipronged approach that involves educating communities, promoting gender-sensitive policies, and empowering women to challenge discriminatory practices.
• Inadequate access to quality education and healthcare: Despite improvements, many girls, particularly in rural areas, still lack access to quality education and healthcare facilities. This can hinder their cognitive development, physical well-being, and overall life chances. Investing in infrastructure, providing targeted scholarships, and addressing teacher shortages in rural areas are crucial steps towards ensuring equal access to quality education for all girls. Similarly, strengthening healthcare infrastructure, promoting awareness about reproductive health, and combating child marriage are essential for improving girls’ health outcomes.
• Economic disparities: Poverty and economic inequality disproportionately impact girls and limit their opportunities. Girls from disadvantaged backgrounds are often forced to drop out of school to contribute to household income, perpetuating a cycle of poverty and limiting their future prospects. Addressing this challenge requires targeted interventions such as conditional cash transfers, vocational training programs, and microfinance initiatives that empower girls and their families to break free from the shackles of poverty.

Conclusion

The Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao scheme has made a significant impact in improving the lives of girls in India. However, there is still much work to be done to ensure that all girls have the opportunity to reach their full potential. On National Girl Child Day, let us all pledge to work together to create a more gender-equal world where every girl can thrive.

Read This Also: Karpoori Thakur Honored with Bharat Ratna Posthumously