The Ministry of Women and Child Development today marked the momentous occasion of the 10th anniversary of the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) scheme, a flagship initiative of the Government of India aimed at addressing gender imbalances and empowering the girl child.

The inaugural event, held at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, witnessed the presence of distinguished dignitaries, including the Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare and Chemicals & Fertilizers, Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda, the Union Minister of Women and Child Development, Smt. Annpurna Devi, and the Minister of State for Women and Child Development, Smt. Savitri Thakur.

The event highlighted a decade of progress made under the BBBP scheme, reflecting Government of India’s commitment to the empowerment of women and girls. It also reaffirmed the country’s vision of a Viksit Bharat 2047, where gender equality is not only a policy priority but a societal norm.

Union Minister of Health & Family Welfare and Chemicals & Fertilizers, Shri Jagat Prakash Nadda, in his special address, underscored the progress made in critical sectors such as health and education.  He said that the success of Beti Bachao Beti Padhao scheme is evident in the substantial improvements in child sex ratio, institutional deliveries, and access to healthcare services for girls.

The Government of India is committed to ensuring that every girl child receives the care and opportunities she deserves to grow into a leader of tomorrow.

In her keynote address, Union Minister of Women and Child Development, Smt. Annpurna Devi acknowledged the transformative impact of BBBP, emphasizing that the scheme has become a catalyst for social change. She added that the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao initiative has transcended from being a government scheme to a nationwide movement. Smt. Devi further added that this 10-year journey has contributed significantly to improving the status of the girl child and ensuring that she receives equal opportunities for education, health, and overall development.

Minister of State for Women and Child Development Smt. Savitri Thakur, while delivering the special address, highlighted the cultural shift brought about by the scheme. “Beti Bachao Beti Padhao is a reflection of our collective commitment to the upliftment of women. Smt. Thakur said as we celebrate this milestone, we reaffirm our dedication to creating an environment where every girl has the right to education, health, and a future filled with opportunities.

On this occasion several key initiatives were launched including the Compendium of Best Practices, the Mission Vatsalya Portal, the Mission Shakti Portal, and the Mission Shakti Mobile App, all designed to further strengthen Government’s commitment to the empowerment of women and children across the nation. The event was graced by the presence of esteemed women officers from diverse fields, including the armed forces, police, paramilitary, medical, science, government, and others  alongside enthusiastic girl students.

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Over the past decade, the BBBP scheme has made significant strides in improving gender equality and the status of girl child in India.

The National Sex Ratio at Birth (SRB) has improved from 918 in 2014-15 to 930 in 2023-24. The gross enrolment ratio of girls at the secondary level has risen from 75.51% to 78%, and institutional deliveries have surged from 61% to 97.3%. Additionally, first-trimester antenatal care registrations have increased from 61% to 80.5%.

Since its launch on January 22, 2015, by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, the BBBP scheme has addressed critical issues related to gender discrimination and the declining child sex ratio in India. The scheme has been instrumental in fostering a cultural shift that values the girl child, ensures her rights and opportunities are protected and paves the way for women-led development.

The 10th-anniversary celebrations will continue from January 22 to March 8, 2025, culminating on International Women’s Day. A series of nationwide activities, including rallies, cultural events, and campaigns, will be organized to promote the objectives of the BBBP scheme. Additionally, a plantation drive will be conducted to promote sustainability and environmental awareness, in line with the Government of India’s broader vision of inclusive development.

The Ministry of Women and Child Development remains committed to ensuring that the BBBP scheme continues to serve as a catalyst for positive change, empowering girls and women across the country and contributing to the creation of Viksit Bharat.

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