On January 22, 2025, Prime Minister marked the 10th anniversary of the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao (BBBP) movement.

Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Scheme

• Launch: Initiated by PM Narendra Modi on January 22, 2015, in Panipat, Haryana.
• Objective: Designed to address the declining child sex ratio (CSR) and promote opportunities, care, and dignity for girls and women.
• Inspiration from Vivekananda: “There is no chance for the welfare of the world unless the condition of women is improved.  It is not possible for a bird to fly on only one wing.”
  • This timeless vision inspired the launch of BBBP, symbolizing the importance of women’s empowerment for societal progress.

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Achievements of Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Scheme

• Reversing the Declining CSR: Through targeted and life-cycle-focused interventions, BBBP has improved the SRB in many states and regions.
  • The 2011 Census revealed an alarming sex ratio at birth (SRB) of 918 girls per 1,000 boys, highlighting societal biases and misuse of diagnostic tools for gender-based sex selection.
• Women-Led Development: Shifted the narrative from women’s development to women-led development, empowering women to lead and thrive.
• Awareness : Focused on challenging societal norms through community engagement, awareness campaigns, and grassroots-level participation.
• Improvement in Child Sex Ratio (CSR): According to the Health Management Information System (HMIS), the national sex ratio at birth (SRB) improved from 918 in 2014-15 to 930 in 2023-24.
• Rise in Institutional Deliveries: Institutional deliveries surged from 61% in 2014-15 to 97.3% in 2023-24, ensuring safer childbirth for mothers and infants.
• Increased Ante-Natal Care (ANC) :First-trimester ANC registrations increased from 61% to 80.5%, reflecting improved maternal health awareness.
• Higher Enrolment Ratios for Girls: Enrolment ratios for girls at the secondary level rose from 75.51% in 2014-15 to 79.4% in 2021-22, promoting education for girls.
• Equity in Infant Mortality Rates: The gap in infant mortality rates between male and female newborns has nearly disappeared, ensuring equity in survival and care.

Initiatives Under BBBP

• Yashaswini Bike Expedition (2023): A 10,000-km journey by 150 women bikers symbolized the indomitable spirit of Indian women.
• Kanya Shiksha Pravesh Utsav (2022): Re-enrolled 100,786 out-of-school girls, showcasing the power of education in transforming lives.
• National Conference on Skilling: Emphasized women’s active participation in the workforce, aligning with the vision of women-led development.

Areas for Improvement

• Strengthening Legal Frameworks: Enhance the implementation of The Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act, 1994, to curb gender-based sex selection.
• Reducing Dropout Rates: Address high dropout rates, especially at secondary and higher education levels, through targeted interventions.
• Expanding Skill Development: Broaden skill development programs to empower women economically and increase their participation in the workforce.
• Life-Cycle Focused Interventions: Provide support at every stage of a girl’s life to ensure health, education, and financial independence.

Female Labour Force Participation in India

• FLFP Rate (FY24): Stood at 41.7%, marking significant progress but still lagging behind men’s participation.
  • A large proportion of Indian women are involved in unpaid care work, limiting their financial independence.
  • Despite progress, the gap between male and female labour force participation persists.
• Regional Divide: Female Labour Force Participation is lower in urban areas compared to rural areas. Many women in rural areas are engaged in unpaid domestic or care work.

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Way Forward

• Gender Equality: According to the World Economic Forum, closing the gender gap could increase global GDP by 20%. 
  • For India, empowering women in the workforce is essential to achieve a trillion-dollar economy by 2047.
• Promoting Care Work as a Profession: Develop systems to recognize care work as a valid career option. 
  • Train and support women pursuing care work to gain financial independence while contributing to economic growth.
• Role of BBBP: BBBP has evolved into a movement, positioning women as changemakers, entrepreneurs, and leaders. It symbolizes the shift from women’s development to women-led development.

Conclusion

Women-led development is not just an aspiration but a necessity for India to achieve its goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047. 

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