Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP)

The Census (2011) data showed a significant declining trend in the Child Sex Ratio1 (CSR) between 0-6 years with an all time low of 918. The issue of decline in the CSR is a major indicator of women disempowerment as it reflects both, pre-birth discrimination manifested through gender biased sex selection, and post birth discrimination against girls (in form of their health, nutrition, educational needs). The principal factor behind the Child Sex Ratio being so adverse is the low Sex Ratio at Birth (SRB). Social construct discriminating girls on the one hand, easy availability, affordability and subsequent misuse of diagnostic tools on the other hand, have been critical in declining CSR. The strong socio-cultural and religious biases, preference for sons and discrimination towards daughters has accentuated the problem.

The sharp decline as pointed by Census 2011 data is a call for urgent action, as it highlights that the girl child is increasingly being excluded from life itself. Coordinated and convergent efforts are needed to ensure survival, protection and education of the girl child. In this background, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) Scheme was launched by the Hon’ble Prime Minister on 22nd January, 2015 in Panipat, Haryana to address the issue of decline in CSR and related issues of empowerment of girls and women over a life cycle continuum. The scheme was initially launched in 100 districts in 2014-15, and was expanded to 61 additional districts in 2015-16. Following initial success of the scheme, the initiative has been expanded to all 640 districts of the Country (as per Census 2011) through a nation-wide mass media campaign, and focussed intervention and multi-sectoral action in select districts

Beneficiary:

Girls

Benefits:

Awareness Camps in District, Re-enrolling Girls for education and improvement of Gender Ratio etc