Celebrating a Decade of Beti Bachao Beti Padhao

The Ministry of Women and Child Development is commemorating the 10th anniversary of the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) scheme, a pivotal initiative launched on January 22, 2015, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Panipat, Haryana. This nationwide campaign aims to address gender imbalance and promote the welfare of the girl child across India.

Inaugural Event and Key Participants

The celebrations commenced on January 22, 2025, with an inaugural event at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. Union Ministers J.P. Nadda, Annapurna Devi, and Savitri Thakur graced the occasion, joined by women officers from the armed forces, paramilitary forces, and the Delhi Police. Additionally, officials from central ministries, Anganwadi workers, student volunteers, and representatives from international organizations such as UNICEF, UN Women, UNDP, UNFPA, the World Bank, and GIZ participated in the event.

Nationwide Celebrations and Activities

The anniversary celebrations are scheduled from January 22 to March 8, 2025, culminating on International Women’s Day. Throughout this period, various events are being organized at state and district levels, including rallies, cultural performances, and felicitation ceremonies for women achievers. Special programs are planned for January 22, January 26, and March 8, engaging communities and promoting gender equality and women’s empowerment.

Key Achievements of BBBP

Over the past decade, BBBP has achieved significant milestones:

• Improved Sex Ratio at Birth: The national sex ratio at birth has improved from 918 in 2014-15 to 930 in 2023-24.
• Increased Enrollment of Girls in Secondary Education: The gross enrollment ratio of girls at the secondary level rose from 75.51% to 78% during the same period.
• Enhanced Institutional Deliveries: Institutional deliveries increased from 61% to 97.3%.
• Improved Antenatal Care Registrations: First-trimester antenatal care registrations surged from 61% to 80.5%.

These achievements reflect the program’s far-reaching impact on improving gender balance, education, and healthcare for girls.

Notable Initiatives and Campaigns

BBBP has undertaken several impactful initiatives:

• Yashaswini Bike Expedition: Showcased women’s empowerment through adventurous activities.
• Kanya Shiksha Pravesh Utsav: Re-enrolled over 100,000 out-of-school girls into education.
• Collaboration with Television Shows: Partnered with popular TV shows to raise awareness about girl child abandonment.

These initiatives have played a crucial role in fostering a cultural shift toward valuing the girl child and ensuring her rights and opportunities.

Commitment to Sustainable Practices

In alignment with sustainable practices, a nationwide plantation drive is being conducted as part of the anniversary celebrations. Additionally, awareness campaigns are being run across print, digital, and social media platforms to further amplify the message of gender equality and empowerment.

Summary of the news

Why in News	Key Points
10th Anniversary of Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Scheme	– Launched on January 22, 2015, by PM Narendra Modi in Panipat, Haryana.
	– Celebrations from January 22 to March 8, 2025, with nationwide events.
	– Focus on gender equality and welfare of the girl child.
Key Achievements	– Sex ratio at birth improved from 918 (2014-15) to 930 (2023-24).
	– Gross enrollment ratio for girls in secondary education increased from 75.51% to 78%.
	– Institutional deliveries increased from 61% to 97.3%.
	– Antenatal care registration improved from 61% to 80.5%.
Key Initiatives	– Yashaswini Bike Expedition (women’s empowerment).
	– Kanya Shiksha Pravesh Utsav (100,000 girls re-enrolled in education).
	– Media campaigns through popular TV shows to raise awareness about girl child abandonment.
Celebration Events	– Nationwide rallies, cultural programs, and state/district-level activities.
Participating Personalities	– Union Ministers J.P. Nadda, Annapurna Devi, and Savitri Thakur.
	– Women officers from armed forces, paramilitary, and Delhi Police.
	– Representatives from UNICEF, UN Women, UNDP, UNFPA, World Bank, GIZ.
Key Dates	– Inaugural event on January 22, 2025.
	– Concluding event on International Women’s Day (March 8, 2025).
Sustainable Practices	– Nationwide plantation drive as part of anniversary celebrations.
	– Awareness campaigns across print, digital, and social media.