To improve the status of daughters in India and give them an equal status in the society, the government has started many schemes. One of these is the “Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao” scheme, which not only emphasizes on the safety of daughters but also on their education and empowerment. This scheme was launched on 22 January 2015, and since then it has been working to bring a change in the lives of millions of daughters across the country. Let us know in detail about this scheme, how it works, and why it is important for our society.

What is the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao scheme?

“Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao” (BBBP) is an initiative of the Government of India, which aims to change the mindset of society towards girls and provide them better opportunities for education and security. This scheme has two main objectives:

• Beti Bachao: To improve sex ratio and stop evil practices like female foeticide.
• Beti Padhao: Promoting education of daughters, so that they can become self-reliant and fulfill their dreams.

This scheme is being run in collaboration with the Ministry of Women and Child Development, Ministry of Human Resource Development (now Ministry of Education), and Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Its focus is on those districts where the sex ratio is low and the level of education of girls is word

Why was this scheme started?

There have been many old beliefs and social evils regarding daughters in our country. In many places, daughters were considered a burden, and sons were given preference. The 2011 census data brought out the worrying situation that the sex ratio was very low in many parts of the country. For example, in some states like Haryana, the number of girls was less than 900 against 1000 boys. Apart from this, the enrollment rate of girls in schools and their completion rate were also a matter of concern.

Keeping these problems in mind, the government started this scheme. Its purpose was to change the negative thinking towards daughters in the society and give them the respect and opportunities they desers.

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Main objectives of the scheme

The government has set several clear goals under this scheme:

• Improvement in sex ratio: Taking strict steps to stop female foeticide and making people aware.
• Promoting education: Increasing school enrolment of girls, reducing school dropout rates, and ensuring their access to higher education.
• Social awareness: Running campaigns to explain the importance of daughters in society.
• Safety and Empowerment: Providing a safe environment to daughters and providing skill development opportunities to make them self-reliant

How does the scheme work?

The “Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao” scheme was implemented in those districts of the country where the sex ratio and the level of education of girls was the lowest. Initially 100 districts were selected, and later it was expanded to more than 640 districts. Many types of activities are carried out under this scheme:

awareness campaign:

• People are told about the importance of daughters through radio, TV, and social media.
• Street plays, rallies, and workshops are held in schools, colleges, and villages.
• Campaigns like “Selfie with Daughter” also inspired people to feel proud of their daughters.

Incentive for education:

• Facility of free or low cost education for daughters.
• Separate toilets for girls in schools, sanitary pad vending machines, and safe transportation.
• Providing scholarships and awards to meritorious daughters.
• Separate toilets for girls in schools, sanitary pad vending machines, and safe transportation

Legal steps:

• To strictly prohibit sex determination of foetus, PC-PNDT Act (Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques Act) was made more effective.
• Action is taken against centres conducting illegal sex determination tests.

Community Participation:

• Panchayats, schools, and local organizations have been linked with this scheme.
• Anganwadi workers and Asha workers have been given the responsibility of spreading awareness for the safety and education of daughters.

Impact of the scheme

Over the years, the “Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao” scheme has brought about many positive changes. Some of the major achievements are as follows:

• Improvement in sex ratio: Many states have seen an increase in the sex ratio. For example, in Haryana, the sex ratio was 871 in 2014, which increased to over 900 by 2020.
• Increase in education: Enrolment of girls in schools has increased, and dropout rates have decreased. School facilities for girls have improved, especially in rural areas.
• Social change: People now consider daughters not as a burden but as the strength of the family and society. Many daughters are bringing glory to the country in sports, education, and other fields.

Some motivational stories

Many daughters have made their dreams come true under this scheme. For example, Rani, a girl from a small village in Haryana, got a scholarship under this scheme. She completed her studies and today she is a teacher in a government school. Another such story is of Linda from Meghalaya, who took skill development training under this scheme and is now running a small business in her village. These stories tell us that if daughters get the right opportunities and support, they are no less than anyone.

Challenges and the way forward

Although this scheme has achieved many achievements, some challenges still remain. In some areas, old thinking towards daughters still remains. In many places, there is a lack of basic facilities in schools, due to which daughters leave their studies. Apart from this, awareness campaigns need to be intensified in rural and remote areas.

To deal with these challenges, the government and society will have to work together. Some suggestions are as follows:

• More investments in education: Better facilities for girls in schools, such as toilets, sanitary pads, and safe transportation.
• Raise awareness: Reach out to as many people as possible by running campaigns in local languages and using social media.
• Skill Development: Training daughters for jobs and business, so that they can become self-reliant.
• Community Involvement: Engaging local leaders, teachers, and families in this scheme so that they come forward in support of daughters.

What can you do?

“Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao” is not just a government scheme but it is a social movement. We all can play our role in it:

• Tell people around you about the importance of daughters.
• If any daughter around you is not able to go to school, then help her.
• Report illegal activities like sex determination of foetus to the authorities.
• Encourage daughters to fulfill their dreams, be it studies, sports, or any other field.

conclusion

The “Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao” scheme has not only opened up opportunities for daughters but has also worked to change the mindset of the society. This scheme reminds us that daughters are no less than anyone. If they get the right opportunity and support, they can bring glory to not only their family but the entire country. Let us all together strengthen this scheme and create a better and safer future for our daughters.