Odisha Implements Key Initiatives Under BBBP Scheme

The Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) scheme, launched on 22nd January 2015, aims to address gender imbalance and the declining child sex ratio in India. In alignment with the scheme’s objectives, the Odisha Government has implemented several initiatives to empower adolescent girls, prevent child marriages, and enhance their education and self-defense skills. These initiatives, launched in different districts, focus on raising awareness, ensuring legal protection, and providing skill-based training to create a safer and more inclusive environment for girls.

Key BBBP Initiatives in Odisha

1. “Nirbhaya Kadhi” (Fearless Bud) & “Mo Gelha Jiya” (My Dear Daughter) – Ganjam District

Objective

• Empower adolescent girls and promote gender equality.
• Prevent child marriage, sex selection, and female foeticide.

Coverage

• 183,933 adolescent girls across 3,309 villages in Ganjam.

Key Achievements

• Ganjam declared child marriage-free on 3rd January 2022.
• 20 out of 953 child marriages successfully prevented (2019-2024).
• 450,000 students from 3,614 schools took a pledge to say “No” to child marriage.
• ₹5,000 reward for first information on child marriage cases.
• OSCPCR recognized Ganjam’s efforts in preventing child marriages.

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2. “Kalpana Avijan” – Dhenkanal District

Objective

• Track and monitor adolescent girls (10-19 years).
• Strengthen community engagement to prevent child marriages.

Coverage

• 1,13,515 adolescent girls identified and enrolled.

Key Achievements

• 343 child marriages prevented (2019-2024).
• 4,45,000 students from 3,425 schools pledged against child marriage.
• Awareness programs held in 1,211 villages.
• Dhenkanal administration felicitated during International Girl Child Week 2024.
• Odisha WCD and Mission Shakti recognized the initiative.
• Barsha Priyadarshini Sahoo awarded for taking a stand against child marriage.
• A rescued mountaineer became the brand ambassador for Kalpana Avijan.

3. “Swarna Kalika” – Keonjhar District

Objective

• Raise awareness about the negative effects of child marriage.
• Promote community-based interventions.

Key Achievements

• 50% reduction in child marriages (by 2024).
• 2,000 stakeholders engaged in awareness campaigns.
• ADVIKA app promoted for tracking and intervention.
• Community leaders and adolescents actively involved in the campaign.

4. “Veerangana Yojana” – Deogarh District

Objective

• Train adolescent girls in martial arts and self-defense.
• Boost self-esteem and confidence.

Coverage

• 500 adolescent girls trained in a 30-day martial arts camp.
• 300 teachers and guardians sensitized on girls’ legal rights.

Key Achievements

• 50 master trainers developed, who trained 6,000 girl students across 300 schools.
• Recognized and institutionalized in schools and colleges.
• Featured in district festivals and won the prestigious SKOCH Award.