Launched on 22 January 2015 in Panipat, Haryana, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) is a tri-ministerial initiative (Women & Child Development, Health & Family Welfare, Education) aimed at fixing the poor child sex ratio and empowering girls through survival, protection, education, and societal awareness.
Core Objectives
- Stop gender-biased sex selection – to prevent female foeticide.
- Ensure survival and protection of the girl child, improving health and safety services.
- Promote education and participation – encouraging schooling, skill development, and community inclusion).
Key Features
- Awareness campaigns
Mass media, community engagement, and social messaging (like #SelfieWithDaughter and daughter nameplates) to shift mindsets. - Targeted interventions
Started in 100 “gender‑critical” districts based on poor sex ratio; now covers all districts. - Multi-sector coordination
Collaboration across sectors—health (PCPNDT Act compliance), education (girl-friendly schools), and protection measures. - Monitoring & evaluation
Setting targets (e.g., reduce girl child mortality, increase school enrollment), with district and state task forces tracking progress. - Incentives & infrastructure
Scholarships, financial support, improved school facilities (like separate toilets), and promoting menstrual hygiene. - Convergent schemes
Aligned under Mission Shakti along with safety and empowerment programs.
Eligibility Criteria
BBBP is area-based, not individual-beneficiary driven. It supports:
- Families with an Indian girl child under 10 years.
- Urban and rural regions, especially those with low child sex ratio.
- NRIs are not eligible directly; benefits flow through state-level interventions.
There’s no individual application; the scheme works via schools, ICDS, health centers, and local bodies.
Highlights & Impact
- A 100 cr initial budget, fully funded by the centre, now expanded countrywide.
- Already, Haryana’s child sex ratio has crossed 900 in many areas thanks to community engagement.
- Celebrated its 10th anniversary (Jan–Mar 2025) with national events promoting women-led development.
Summary Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Launch | 22 Jan 2015, Panipat, Haryana |
| Objectives | Prevent sex selection, enhance survival, support education |
| Coverage | Initially 100 districts, now nationwide |
| Approach | Awareness, multi-sectoral efforts, monitoring, incentives |
| Eligibility | Regions with girl child under 10; NRI exclusions |
In simple terms:
BBBP is like planting a seed —it educates, protects, and nurtures the girl child by changing mindsets, strengthening support systems, and building safer, more encouraging spaces for girls to thrive.
