Marking the 10th anniversary of the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) initiative, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed it as a transformative movement that has successfully mobilised people across all walks of life to overcome gender biases. Speaking on Wednesday, Modi emphasised how the programme has created an enabling environment for girls to access education and fulfil their aspirations.
Launched on 22 January 2015, at Panipat, Haryana, the BBBP initiative aimed to address the declining Child Sex Ratio (CSR) and promote women’s empowerment. Over the past decade, the initiative has become a beacon of hope for millions of girls in India, fostering awareness and driving social change.
Prime minister’s reflections
“Today we mark 10 years of the #BetiBachaoBetiPadhao movement. Over the past decade, it has become a transformative, people-powered initiative and has drawn participation from people across all walks of life,” Modi shared in a post on X (formerly Twitter). He lauded the efforts of citizens and community organisations, stating that their collective dedication has been instrumental in achieving remarkable milestones.
Modi highlighted that districts historically grappling with low child sex ratios have shown significant improvements over the years. “Awareness campaigns have instilled a deeper sense of the importance of gender equality,” he said.
The prime minister also expressed gratitude towards stakeholders who have been pivotal in driving the movement at the grassroots level. “I compliment all stakeholders who have made this movement vibrant at the grassroots level. Let us continue to protect the rights of our daughters, ensure their education and create a society where they can thrive without any discrimination,” he urged.
Key achievements of BBBP
Over the last decade, the BBBP initiative has made significant strides in addressing gender imbalances and empowering girls. Key achievements include:
- Improved child sex ratios: Districts with historically skewed child sex ratios have reported notable improvements, reflecting the effectiveness of BBBP’s awareness campaigns and interventions.
- Increased access to education: The initiative has prioritised the education of girls, ensuring access to quality learning opportunities and reducing dropout rates among female students.
- Community engagement: BBBP has successfully engaged people across India, involving grassroots organisations, schools, and civil society to champion the cause of gender equality.
- Social mindset shift: By targeting societal attitudes, the movement has fostered greater acceptance of the value of daughters, challenging deep-seated gender biases.
A grassroots revolution
The success of BBBP is deeply rooted in its ability to galvanise grassroots participation. Across India, local administrations, community leaders, and non-governmental organisations have played a vital role in implementing the programme’s objectives.
Through activities like rallies, workshops, and educational programmes, BBBP has sparked discussions on gender equality in villages, towns, and cities. The movement has also inspired similar initiatives in other areas, addressing broader challenges faced by women.
Challenges and the road ahead
Despite its success, challenges remain in ensuring that all girls receive equal opportunities to thrive. Access to education, healthcare, and safety continue to be areas requiring sustained attention.
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Prime Minister Modi acknowledged the progress made but stressed the importance of building on this foundation. “Together, we can ensure that the coming years bring even greater progress and opportunity for India’s daughters,” he said.
Moving forward, the focus will be on addressing gaps in implementation, ensuring better coordination between stakeholders, and fostering a more inclusive society. Efforts to strengthen the economic and social status of women are likely to take centre stage in the next phase of the initiative.
A Decade of transformation
The 10th anniversary of Beti Bachao Beti Padhao is a moment to reflect on the programme’s impact and celebrate its achievements. It symbolises a decade of progress towards a more equitable India, where every girl has the chance to dream, aspire, and succeed.
As the movement continues to grow, its legacy will remain a testament to the power of collective action in shaping a brighter future for India’s daughters. With renewed commitment from all sectors of society, the BBBP initiative is poised to achieve even greater milestones in the years to come.
