NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked the 10th anniversary of the "Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao" (BBBP) initiative on Wednesday, January 22, emphasizing how it has evolved into a nationwide movement driven by public participation. Launched on January 22, 2015, in Panipat, Haryana, this flagship government program was introduced to address declining child sex ratios, discourage gender-based discrimination, and empower the education and development of girls.
Prime Minister Modi shared on the social media platform X - Today, January 22, we celebrate ten years of the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao initiative. Over this a decade of period, it has become a transformative movement, fueled by active participation from people across diverse backgrounds”.
PM Modi commended the scheme for its role in breaking down gender stereotypes and opening pathways for girls to flourish. “This initiative has targeted overcoming deep-rooted gender biases, ensuring every girl has access to education and opportunities to realize her potential,” he added.
Acknowledging significant progress in districts historically facing gender imbalances, he highlighted the combined efforts of citizens, community groups, and government agencies in achieving impactful outcomes. Awareness campaigns under this program have helped to spread the message of gender equality more effectively.
“Through the relentless efforts of individuals and numerous organizations, #BetiBachaoBetiPadhao has accomplished remarkable results. Regions that previously reported lower child sex ratios have witnessed considerable improvements, while awareness drives have deepened public understanding of the importance of gender equity,” PM Modi said.
The Prime Minister stressed the need to sustain this momentum by continuing to uphold women’s rights, guarantee their access to education, and eliminate discrimination. “Let us continue working to protect the rights of our daughters, prioritize their education, and build a society where they can thrive without prejudice. Together, we can ensure that India’s daughters achieve even greater success in the years ahead,” he concluded.
Over the last 10 years, the BBBP initiative has made commendable strides, improving the Sex Ratio at Birth, enhancing access to education, expanding healthcare services, and fostering women’s economic empowerment. The program’s success is attributed to collaborations with government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and local communities, creating a strong framework to safeguard and uplift every girl child.