Celebrating a Decade of Progress: Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao Marks 10th Anniversary
The 10th-anniversary celebration of the landmark Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao (BBBP) scheme was inaugurated today at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, by Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda and Union Minister of Women and Child Development Smt. Annpurna Devi. Union Minister of State for Women and Child Development Smt. Savitri Thakur also graced the event, which commemorated a decade of unwavering efforts to protect, educate, and empower the girl child in India.
Highlighting the scheme’s achievements, Shri Nadda emphasized its transformative impact since its launch in 2015 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Panipat, Haryana. “The Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao scheme represents a policy shift towards women-led development through a holistic Whole of Government approach,” he stated. “We have progressed from women’s development to women-led development, marking a significant milestone in India’s journey towards gender equity.”
Tangible Results: Maternal and Child Health Indicators
Shri Nadda shared remarkable improvements in health indicators achieved under the scheme. Since 2014, India’s Maternal Mortality Rate has decreased from 130 deaths per 100,000 live births to 97, while the Infant Mortality Rate has declined from 39 to 28 deaths per 1,000 live births. The under-five mortality rate has seen a 75% decline, surpassing the global average of 60%.
These outcomes, he noted, were achieved through concerted efforts, including awareness campaigns, enhanced healthcare access, and programs like ante-natal checkups by ASHAs, vaccination drives for pregnant women and children, and improved nutrition initiatives under the Poshan Abhiyan.
Women Empowerment at the Forefront
Annpurna Devi underscored the scheme’s role in reshaping societal attitudes. “BBBP is not merely a scheme; it is a movement to challenge and change the entrenched discrimination against girls,” she said. “This initiative will play a pivotal role in realizing the vision of a Viksit Bharat during Amrit Kaal under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership.”
The Minister highlighted complementary initiatives like Mission Vatsalya, Mission Shakti, and Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana, which collectively aim to empower women and girls through education, financial independence, and social security.
Inspiring Change Agents
Nadda called on women and girls to become “ambassadors of change” by actively combating gender discrimination. “Your voices, strengthened through empowerment, are essential in ensuring that the fight against inequality continues,” he urged.
Savitri Thakur echoed these sentiments, describing BBBP as a medium for transforming mindsets and promoting equity. She called on stakeholders to address social evils that hinder women’s empowerment and contribute to a more capable and inclusive India.
Launch of New Initiatives
To mark the occasion, several initiatives were launched, including the Mission Vatsalya Portal, Mission Shakti Portal, and the Mobile App of Mission Shakti. A compendium of BBBP best practices was also unveiled, showcasing successful strategies implemented over the past decade.
Diverse Participation
The event brought together women officers from the armed forces, paramilitary forces, Delhi Police, and senior officials from central ministries. Anganwadi workers, supervisors, and girl students, including My Bharat volunteers, were also in attendance, reflecting the scheme’s inclusive spirit.
As the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao scheme completes a decade, its success underscores India’s commitment to creating a future where every girl child is protected, educated, and empowered. The program’s achievements are a testament to the power of convergence and the collective will to foster gender equality.