New Delhi, February 7, 2026 – The Indian government has lauded the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) scheme as a transformative success, evolving from a mere policy initiative into a nationwide movement that has mobilized diverse stakeholders to champion gender equality and girl child rights.
Launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 22, 2015, in Panipat, Haryana, the flagship program addresses the declining Child Sex Ratio (CSR) while promoting education and holistic empowerment of girls across their life cycle. A tri-ministerial effort involving the Ministries of Women and Child Development, Health and Family Welfare, and Education, BBBP combats deep-rooted gender biases through awareness, community engagement, and improved welfare services.
According to official statements, the scheme has fostered a broad coalition including government agencies, media, civil society, and the public, turning it into a grassroots-driven national crusade. Key achievements include a notable rise in the national Sex Ratio at Birth (SRB) from 918 in 2014, signaling reduced female foeticide and improved valuation of girls.
The program has sparked widespread conversations on gender discrimination, often masked as “tradition,” and integrated with broader frameworks like Mission Shakti for enhanced safety and empowerment. Components such as One Stop Centres, women’s helplines, hostels, creches, and skilling initiatives now converge under district-level Hubs for Empowerment of Women, reducing service fragmentation.
As BBBP marks over a decade, experts note its role in setting measurable targets for societal change, though challenges persist in fully eradicating biases. The government remains committed to expanding its reach, emphasizing mindset shifts and behavioral changes toward valuing the girl child.
