Beti Bachao Beti Padhao: Impact, Challenges & Future

 

Introduction

Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao (BBBP) is a flagship scheme launched by the Government of India on January 22, 2015, aimed at addressing gender-based discrimination and promoting women’s empowerment. The program seeks to tackle the declining child sex ratio (CSR), prevent gender-biased sex selection, and ensure girls' education and welfare.

As the scheme completes a decade, it is essential to analyze its successes, shortcomings, and future direction to achieve gender equality in India.

Understanding the Problem: Declining Child Sex Ratio (CSR)

Skewed Child Sex Ratio in India

• The National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5, 2019-21) reported that the sex ratio at birth (SRB) in India is 929 girls per 1,000 boys, an improvement from NFHS-4 (2015-16: 919 girls per 1,000 boys).

• Despite this improvement, states like Haryana, Punjab, and Rajasthan still exhibit skewed sex ratios due to deep-rooted son preference.

• Some southern and eastern states, which traditionally had better sex ratios, are now witnessing a decline.

Causes of Gender Imbalance

• Sex-Selective Abortions: Prenatal sex determination, despite the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act, 1994, continues to enable sex-selective abortions.

• Socio-Cultural Factors: Son preference is deeply ingrained in society due to patriarchal mindsets, inheritance laws, and dowry practices.

• Economic Disparity: Higher-income groups have shown a higher degree of gender-biased sex selection, contradicting the assumption that economic growth alone can solve this issue.

Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao: Objectives and Implementation

Objectives of BBBP

1. Prevent gender-biased sex selection and ensure strict implementation of the PCPNDT Act.

2. Ensure survival and protection of the girl child.

3. Promote education and skill development for girls.

4. Address social norms that reinforce gender discrimination.

Key Strategies

• Nationwide Awareness Campaigns: Mobilizing communities through media, school programs, and local initiatives.

• Strict Law Enforcement: Ensuring compliance with the PCPNDT Act to prevent sex-selective abortions.

• Financial Incentives for Families with Daughters:

  • Ladli Scheme in Haryana

  • Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY)

  • Aapki Beti Hamari Beti Yojana

• Educational Incentives: Scholarships, girl-friendly school infrastructure, and skill development programs.

Achievements of Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao

Positive Impact on Gender Ratios

• States like Haryana, Punjab, and Himachal Pradesh have shown an increase in SRB after BBBP implementation.

• Improved Enrollment of Girls in Schools:

  • The Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) of girls in secondary education has risen from 77% (2014-15) to 81% (2022-23).

• Increased Awareness and Social Acceptance:

  • Awareness campaigns have helped change mindsets in many rural areas, leading to better social status for girls.

Challenges and Limitations of BBBP

1. Regional Disparities and Limited Effectiveness

• Some states like Delhi, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu have recorded a decline in SRB despite BBBP interventions.

2. Persistence of Patriarchal Norms

• Dowry system and inheritance laws continue to reinforce son preference.

• Changing deep-seated cultural attitudes remains a slow process.

3. Low Female Labor Force Participation (FLFP)

• Despite education improvements, FLFP in India remains at ~25% (World Bank, 2023).

• Women in India earn only ₹39.8 for every ₹100 earned by men (Global Gender Gap Report, 2024).

• Economic insecurity limits women’s ability to challenge gender discrimination.

4. Over-Reliance on Conditional Cash Transfers

• While financial incentives encourage girl child retention, they do not address systemic issues like wage disparity, job opportunities, and social mobility.

Way Forward: Strengthening Gender-Responsive Policies

1. Beyond Birth Ratios: Empowering Women Economically

• BBBP must transition from “saving the girl child” to “empowering the girl child” through:

  • Financial Inclusion for Women: Access to credit, microfinance, and digital banking services.

  • Skill Development and STEM Participation: Encouraging girls to enter Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields.

  • Women Entrepreneurship Programs: Expanding initiatives like Startup India for Women.

2. Strengthening Legal and Social Reforms

• Strict Enforcement of the PCPNDT Act: Strengthening monitoring of diagnostic clinics to prevent illegal sex determination.

• Fair Inheritance and Property Rights: Encouraging joint property ownership for women in families.

3. Community-Led Engagement and Behavioral Change

• Grassroots Mobilization: Involving religious leaders, educators, and NGOs to change social perceptions about daughters.

• Male Involvement in Gender Equality: Encouraging fathers and brothers to play active roles in empowering girls.

• Shifting the Narrative: Promoting girls as economic contributors rather than dependents.

Conclusion

Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao has successfully raised awareness and improved sex ratios in some states, but deep-rooted societal challenges persist. The scheme must move beyond slogans and adopt a rights-based approach, ensuring women’s economic, legal, and social empowerment. Only then can gender equality be truly achieved in India.

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UPSC CSE Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs)

1. Which of the following is NOT an objective of Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao (BBBP)? 

a) Prevention of gender-biased sex selection 

b) Women’s reservation in Parliament 

c) Promotion of girl child education 

d) Enhancing female workforce participation

Answer: b) Women’s reservation in Parliament

2. Which law prohibits sex-selective abortion in India? 

a) Juvenile Justice Act, 2015 

b) The Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act, 1994 

c) The Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961 

d) The Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act, 1971

Answer: b) The Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act, 1994

3. What is the main reason for declining sex ratios in India? 

a) Female infanticide 

b) Gender-biased sex selection 

c) Lack of nutrition 

d) High maternal mortality rate

Answer: b) Gender-biased sex selection

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UPSC Mains Practice Question

“Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao (BBBP) has improved awareness but failed to create structural changes needed for gender equality.” Critically analyze the successes and limitations of BBBP in addressing gender disparities. (250 words)

Also Read: UGC Equity Guidelines 2025: Inclusive Education Reform l UPSC CSE Notes