03.10.2025

Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao (BBBP)

Context

The Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao (BBBP) scheme, now a decade old, reflects measurable progress by improving the sex ratio at birth and significantly enhancing girls’ education outcomes, marking a major step toward gender equality in India.

Changing Mindset on Girl Education

• From Neglect to Aspiration: Shift from “Beti padhegi toh kya karegi?” to recognising education as an asset.
   
• Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao (BBBP)  Campaigns like Kanya Kelavani in Gujarat and BBBP turned girl education into a mass movement.
   
• Community Awareness: Awareness rallies, women’s conferences, and school campaigns normalised girls’ schooling.
   
• Symbolic Actions: Political leaders auctioning gifts, donating salaries → made education a public priority, not private burden.
   
• Cultural Change: Education associated with dignity, safety, empowerment, influencing parental choices across India.
   

 About Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao (BBBP)

• Launched in 2015 as a multi-ministerial effort (WCD, Health, Education).
   
• Objectives:
   
  • Prevent female foeticide.
     
  • Promote education and empowerment of the girl child.
     
• Impact:
   
  • Sex ratio at birth improved: 919 (2015–16) → 929 (2019–21).
     
  • 20 out of 30 States/UTs now perform above national average.
     
  • Surveys (MP): 89.5% aware of BBBP, 63.2% motivated to send daughters to school.
     

Societal and Demographic Ripple Effect

• Fertility Transition: Educated women marry later, lowering TFR to 2.0 (NFHS-5).
   
• Health Outcomes: Institutional deliveries ↑, IMR reduced from 49 (2014) → 33 (2020).
   
• Workforce Entry: Girls in STEM, healthcare, entrepreneurship → more economic diversity.
   
• Breaking Patriarchy: Women as fighter pilots, CEOs, ISRO scientists reshape gender roles.
   
• Demographic Dividend: Female education ensures healthier families, sustainable population growth.
   

Long-Term Transformation & Multiplier Effect

• Educated Mothers’ Advantage: Better child nutrition, health, and learning outcomes.
   
• Generational Change: One educated girl influences siblings + next generation.
   
• Economic Multiplier: Women’s work participation → boosts household income + GDP growth.
   
• Community Leadership: Women in Panchayats, SHGs, civil society ensure inclusive development.
   
• Positive Feedback Loop:
  
   Education → Empowerment → Healthier Families → Stronger Economy → Progressive Society.
   

Conclusion

The transformation of girls’ education goes beyond enrolment, marking a vital mindset shift. It strengthens families, economy, and democracy, proving that educating a girl educates society, while sustained momentum ensures true gender equality and a progressive future.