January 22, 2025
It’s been 10 years since the Government of India launched the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) campaign to address the nation’s pressing issues of gender inequality, declining child sex ratio, and limited educational opportunities for girls. Today, the campaign has grown into a nationwide movement that is not only saving lives but also changing mindsets and empowering communities.
What began in January 2015 in Panipat, Haryana, has achieved milestones that reflect the resilience and potential of India’s daughters. But the real story lies in the impact on everyday lives—the girls whose futures have been rewritten and the families that now believe in their daughters’ dreams.
Achievements That Speak Volumes
The BBBP campaign set ambitious goals: to improve the child sex ratio (CSR), ensure the survival and safety of girls, and encourage their education. Over the past decade, it has met many of these goals, showing significant progress.
1. Improved Child Sex Ratio (CSR):
States notorious for low CSRs, such as Haryana, Punjab, and Rajasthan, have shown remarkable improvement. Haryana, for instance, saw its CSR rise from 830 girls per 1,000 boys in 2015 to over 930 by 2023—a testament to sustained awareness campaigns, strict enforcement of laws, and community engagement.
2. Higher School Enrolment for Girls:
The campaign’s emphasis on education has been transformative. Reports indicate that the female literacy rate has climbed from 65.46% in 2011 to nearly 70% by 2023, with rural areas showing significant growth. More girls are completing secondary education, and many are pursuing higher studies in fields like science, technology, and medicine.
3. Financial Support for Families:
Programs like the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana have given families a financial incentive to educate and support their daughters. By 2024, over 32 million accounts had been opened under this scheme, providing a safety net for girls and fostering a sense of security for their future.
4. A Shift in Cultural Perceptions:
BBBP campaigns have encouraged families and communities to celebrate the birth of daughters and value their contributions. Traditions that once excluded girls are being reimagined to include and honour them.
Stories That Inspire
The true measure of BBBP’s success lies in the lives it has changed. Across India, countless stories of hope and transformation have emerged, shining a light on the campaign’s impact.
One such story is of 16-year-old Meera from Rajasthan. Born into a family with limited resources, Meera was expected to marry early. However, inspired by BBBP awareness programs, her parents chose to support her education instead. Today, Meera is the first girl in her village to pursue higher education in medicine, breaking barriers and inspiring others.
In Haryana, a state once plagued by gender inequality, a small village now celebrates an annual “Daughters’ Day.” The initiative, led by local women’s groups, encourages families to value their daughters and invest in their futures.
These stories are not just exceptions; they are becoming the new norm, proving that when given a chance, girls can lead the way in creating a better future.
The Ripple Effect
The ripple effects of BBBP have reached every corner of the country:
• Behavioural Change: The campaign has fostered a cultural shift, encouraging families to see daughters as assets rather than liabilities. This change is especially visible in rural areas where deep-seated patriarchal norms once dominated.
• Education for Empowerment: Schools, NGOs, and local governments have collaborated to ensure girls have access to quality education. Initiatives like free textbooks, scholarships, and sanitary napkin programs have reduced dropout rates among adolescent girls.
• Enforcement of Laws: Strict implementation of the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act, 1994 has curtailed illegal practices like sex-selective abortions, giving girls a fair chance at life.
• Role Models: The campaign has spotlighted success stories of women excelling in various fields, from academics to sports, inspiring young girls to dream big and work hard.
Challenges That Remain
While BBBP has made impressive strides, challenges persist. Gender-based discrimination, though declining, still exists in many parts of the country. Child marriage, though reduced, is still practiced in some areas.
Higher education remains inaccessible for many girls due to financial constraints or lack of facilities, particularly in rural areas. Moreover, societal pressure and traditional norms still deter some families from fully supporting their daughters’ aspirations.
The campaign has laid a strong foundation, but continuous effort is needed to build on these gains and address these challenges.
Looking Ahead: A Future of Possibilities
Beti Bachao Beti Padhao has proven that collective action can create real change. As the campaign enters its second decade, it is important to focus on sustaining and expanding its impact.
The vision for the future includes:
• Bridging the gap in higher education for girls, particularly in rural and underserved areas.
• Strengthening vocational training programs to prepare girls for the workforce.
• Enhancing community participation to further challenge deep-rooted gender biases.
A Movement of Hope and Change
BBBP has become more than just a government initiative—it’s a movement that has brought the nation together to value and empower its daughters. The campaign has shown us what is possible when government policies, community efforts, and individual actions align toward a common goal.
Today, girls in India are dreaming bigger than ever before, stepping into fields once considered out of reach, and proving that they are not just equal to boys but often capable of achieving even more.
With continued support, India can ensure that every girl has the chance to live, learn, and thrive. The journey of Beti Bachao Beti Padhao is a testament to the power of hope, determination, and collective action—a journey that will undoubtedly inspire generations to come.