10 Years of Beti Bachao Beti Padhao
A Decade of Transformative Change
In India, there’s a saying: “Yatra naryastu pujyante, ramante tatra devata“, which means, “Where women are honored, divinity resides.” This ancient wisdom has always acknowledged the strength, resilience, and grace of women. And today, in the 21st century, a new chapter of this legacy is being written—one that resonates deeply with the soul of our nation. At the forefront of this transformation stands Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP), an initiative that has become a beacon of hope and empowerment for millions of women across the country. Our present government has always revered women as an incarnation of Goddess Durga. PM Modi is also often seen quoting the same in his speeches. This initiative is seen as a step towards proving it through actions.
Launched under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in January 2015, BBBP is not just another government campaign. It is a powerful call to action—a movement to protect, celebrate, and empower the girl child. This movement, over the course of the past decade, has grown into something extraordinary. It has reshaped policies, transformed societal mindsets, and ignited a revolution at the grassroots level.
https://x.com/mygovindia/status/1881922504555401679?s=46&t=s0eE4FJn4N0jgTQOVfyyoQ
The Dawn of Change: A Story of Transformation
We have moved ahead of the time when girls were considered burdens rather than blessings, in many places. But through the tireless work of the government, the message began to sink in: Every Girl is a Gift to the Nation. Hence, the results speak for themselves.
The Child Sex Ratio (CSR), once a troubling statistic, has undergone a remarkable transformation. From a distressing 918 girls for every 1,000 boys in 2014-15, it now stands at over 933 girls in 2022-23—a clear sign of changing attitudes and stronger protective measures for the girl child. In fact, many districts that once had a skewed sex ratio are now seeing a rise in the number of girls born and surviving. The Beti Bachao Beti Padhao initiative has made this possible by encouraging families to value daughters as much as sons, not just with words, but with action.
https://x.com/mygovindia/status/1881915964612391420?s=46&t=s0eE4FJn4N0jgTQOVfyyoQ
An Education Revolution: Opening Doors to a Brighter Future
Let’s take a moment to look at the classrooms of India. The story of a young girl walking into a school, head held high, her dreams boundless, is now more common than ever before. Female enrolment in Higher Education increases to 2.07 crore in 2021-22 from 1.57 crore in 2014-15, that is nearly 32% increase.
You know what- It wasn’t just about building schools; it was about breaking barriers. With new toilets in schools and the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana—which has helped open over 4.1 crore accounts for young girls—the government has ensured that every girl can study with dignity and security.
Thanks to BBBP, the light of education is not just shining in urban centers; it is reaching even the remotest villages of India.
Women Entrepreneurs: The Architects of India’s Economic Future
As the story of the girl child unfolds, so does the story of women entrepreneurs who are writing new stories of success. Women across India, supported by PM Mudra Yojana and microfinance initiatives, are taking charge of their destinies. They are not just participating in the economy; they are driving it.
Nearly 2.3 crore MSMEs are now led by women, each one contributing to the country’s economic growth. Women entrepreneurs are breaking the barriers, overcoming challenges, and becoming pillars of sustainability and innovation. Under the PM Mudra Yojana, 70% of loans are availed by women, while 98% of microfinance clients are women. These statistics are not just numbers—they are the stories of women who have turned their dreams into successful businesses, who are lifting their families out of poverty, and who are contributing to India’s growing economy.
https://x.com/mygovindia/status/1881913525217661392?s=46&t=s0eE4FJn4N0jgTQOVfyyoQ
A Groundbreaking Revolution: Grassroots Empowerment
But change isn’t just happening in boardrooms and classrooms; it is taking root in the heart of communities. Many districts across India have embraced the BBBP campaign, with Haryana, once known for its low CSR, now leading the way in improving gender parity. This grassroots movement is a powerful reminder that when communities come together, they can bring about real, lasting change.
Policy Synergy: A Holistic Approach to Women’s Welfare
The success of Beti Bachao Beti Padhao is not just in the policies themselves, but in how these policies work together to create a more holistic environment for women’s empowerment. From Jan Dhan Yojana, which has provided banking services to over 30 crore women, to Ayushman Bharat, which has issued over 36 crore health cards, 49% of which are owned by women, the government has ensured that women have access to resources that enhance their independence and well-being. Lakhpati Didi, the initiative that helps women earn over ₹1 lakh annually, is a shining example of how financial independence can change lives. Over 1 crore women have already become Lakhpati Didi under this scheme.
Women in Leadership: A New Era of Representation
When we talk about empowerment, we cannot overlook the strides women have made in leadership positions. The number of women MPs has risen from 59 in 2009 to 78 in 2019-24, reflecting a significant increase in political participation. In the armed forces, nearly 10,400 women officers now serve, a remarkable rise from just 3,000 in 2014-15. These women are breaking barriers, taking leadership roles, and proving that women can excel in every field, including defense and politics.
A Global Model for Gender Empowerment
India’s Beti Bachao Beti Padhao initiative has not only impacted the nation but has also set a global example for gender empowerment. As the world strives toward the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 5: Gender Equality, India has shown the way. The child sex ratio improvements, the rising representation of women in leadership, and the increasing participation of women in STEM fields—where they now represent 43% of enrollments—are all testament to India’s commitment to gender parity. With more than 2100 female scientists getting benefitted by initiatives like WISE-KIRAN, and more than 340 being supported through other major fellowships, India is proving that women can and will drive change on every front.
A New Beginning: Women Building the Nation
As we look back at the incredible journey of Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, we are reminded of the ancient wisdom that celebrates women as the bearers of strength, wisdom, and prosperity. Over the past decade, the initiative has not only changed the lives of countless women but has also shaped a nation that is more inclusive, just, and equitable.
Just as Goddess Durga is revered for her nurturing and protective qualities, BBBP serves as a nurturing force, ensuring that every girl has the chance to grow, to thrive, and to become a leader. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, this movement has become a testament to India’s unwavering commitment to empowering women and building a brighter, more prosperous future for all.
The story of India’s women is no longer one of struggle and limitation. It is a story of strength, opportunity, and limitless potential. And as women continue to rise, they are not just shaping their own futures—they are shaping the future of the nation.
