Beti Bachao Beti Padhao – Government Scheme for girls

Gender discrimination has been a deep-rooted issue in India, leading to a declining child-sex ratio (CSR) and reduced opportunities for girls. Recognizing this challenge, the Government of India launched the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao scheme on January 22, 2015, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This initiative aims to address gender imbalance and promote the education and well-being of the girl child. The scheme is implemented through a coordinated effort between the Ministry of Women & Child Development, the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, and the Ministry of Education.

Objectives of Beti Bachao Beti Padhao

The scheme primarily focuses on:

1. Preventing Gender-Biased Sex-Selective Elimination – Enforcing strict laws against prenatal sex determination and female feticide.
2. Ensuring Survival and Protection of the Girl Child – Enhancing healthcare and safety measures for girls.
3. Promoting Education and Participation – Encouraging girls to attend school and complete their education to become empowered individuals.
4. Changing Societal Mindsets – Conducting awareness programs to challenge patriarchal norms and promote gender equality.
5. Strengthening Implementation of Existing Laws – Ensuring strict enforcement of the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act, 1994.

Key Features of the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Scheme

• Awareness Campaigns: Nationwide initiatives, including mass media campaigns, community meetings, and school programs, highlight the importance of saving and educating the girl child.
• Financial Incentives: Some states have launched financial assistance schemes where funds are deposited in the name of a girl child to secure her future.
• Improved Health Services: Strengthening maternal and child healthcare services to ensure the well-being of mothers and newborn girls.
• Educational Support: Scholarships, free education programs, and girl-friendly school infrastructure to improve female literacy rates.
• Community Participation: Involvement of local governments, NGOs, self-help groups, and influencers in implementing the scheme effectively.

Benefits of Beti Bachao Beti Padhao

• Financial Aid: Certain states provide fixed deposits and scholarships for girls to secure their future.
• Improved Healthcare Services: Better maternal and child healthcare services, reducing infant mortality rates.
• Higher Literacy Rates: Increased enrollment and retention of girls in schools.
• Stronger Legal Framework: Strict laws against sex-selective abortions and gender discrimination.
• Enhanced Awareness: Large-scale campaigns to change societal attitudes towards the girl child.

Eligibility Criteria

• The scheme applies to all Indian citizens, with a special focus on states and districts with an adverse child sex ratio.
• Under various state-level implementations, families with a girl child aged below 10 are eligible to receive financial assistance.
• Parents or guardians must ensure their daughter is enrolled in a school to be eligible for financial benefits.

Exclusions

• Families with more than two children in some state-specific schemes may not be eligible.
• Parents not enrolling their daughters in schools may be disqualified from financial benefits.
• Those violating the PCPNDT Act or engaging in sex-selective practices are not eligible.

Application Process

1. Visit the nearest Anganwadi centre, health department, or government office dealing with women and child welfare.
2. Fill out the prescribed application form with the required details.
3. Attach the necessary documents and submit the form to the respective authorities.
4. Verification and approval by government officials.
5. Benefits are transferred to eligible beneficiaries upon successful verification.

Documents Required

• Birth certificate of the girl child.
• Proof of residence (Aadhaar card, ration card, voter ID, etc.).
• Identity proof of parents/guardians.
• School admission certificate of the girl child.
• Bank account details of the parents or the girl child.

Achievements of Beti Bachao Beti Padhao

Since its launch, the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao scheme has yielded positive results:

1. Improved Child Sex Ratio (CSR): The CSR has shown improvement in many states where the scheme has been effectively implemented.
2. Increased School Enrollment: The enrollment of girls in primary and secondary education has risen significantly.
3. Greater Awareness and Reduced Discrimination: Social campaigns and government efforts have led to a shift in societal attitudes toward gender equality.
4. Reduction in Female Feticide: Strict legal actions and awareness programs have helped curb illegal prenatal sex determination.
5. State-Level Success Stories: States like Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh, where gender discrimination was historically high, have reported significant improvements in girl child welfare indicators.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Is the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao scheme available in all states?
Yes, the scheme is implemented across all states, with a special focus on areas with a low child-sex ratio.

Q2. Can a girl child benefit from this scheme if she is born outside India?
No, the scheme applies only to Indian citizens.

Q3. Does the scheme provide direct cash transfers to beneficiaries?
No, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao mainly focuses on awareness, education, and legal enforcement, though some state-level programs provide financial benefits.

Q4. What happens if the girl child drops out of school?
In most cases, financial benefits under related state schemes may be discontinued.

Q5. Where can I apply for this scheme?
Parents can apply at local Anganwadi centres, schools, and government offices dealing with women and child welfare.

How ‘Aapke Saath Foundation’ Supports the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Initiative

At Aapke Saath Foundation, we are committed to promoting girl child education and empowerment through various programs, including:

• Education Sponsorship Programs – Providing scholarships and study materials to underprivileged girls.
• Awareness Drives – Conducting workshops on gender equality, women’s rights, and the importance of education.
• Skill Development Programs – Offering vocational training and career guidance to help girls become financially independent.
• Food and Healthcare Assistance – Ensuring proper nutrition and healthcare support for girls in marginalized communities.

The Beti Bachao Beti Padhao scheme is a transformative initiative that has the potential to reshape India’s socio-economic landscape by empowering girls. However, its success depends on the combined efforts of the government, civil society, and individuals. By supporting this cause, we can ensure a brighter, more equal, and empowered future for the daughters of India.

At Aapke Saath Foundation, we firmly believe in the power of collective action. Join us in our mission to uplift and educate girls, ensuring they receive the opportunities they rightfully deserve.

Sources and References:

• Ministry of Women & Child Development: https://wcd.nic.in
• Ministry of Education: https://www.education.gov.in
• Official Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Guidelines: https://betibachaobetipadhao.gov.in

Let’s work together to make India a safer and better place for our daughters!