PrintFriendlyThe UN Women and UNICEF have praised the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao scheme for its holistic approach in improving the welfare of girls. The BBBP scheme is considered a model for other nations grappling with similar gender disparity challenges.
As we celebrated National Girl Child Day on January 24th, it is a perfect occasion to reflect on the progress made and the steps being taken to empower girls in India. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the government has introduced numerous initiatives aimed at promoting the welfare, education, and empowerment of the girl child in India. These initiatives focus on providing protection, ensuring equal opportunities, and breaking the barriers that girls face due to gender discrimination. Here are some key facts about the government’s efforts to shape the future of the girl child in India.
Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) Scheme
The Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) scheme, launched in 2015, has played a transformative role in improving the status of the girl child in India. One of its most significant achievements has been the improvement in the child sex ratio, which saw a steady rise from 919 girls per 1,000 boys in 2011 to 919 girls per 1,000 boys in 2021. States like Haryana, which historically had one of the worst gender ratios, witnessed a remarkable improvement from 850 girls per 1,000 boys in 2015 to 933 girls per 1,000 boys in 2021. The scheme has also contributed to reducing female infanticide and foeticide, with data from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare indicating a 9.2% decline in female foeticide between 2015 and 2020. By promoting gender sensitivity and legal awareness, the initiative has helped in curbing discriminatory practices and fostering a more inclusive society.
BBBP has significantly boosted girls’ enrollment in schools, particularly in rural and underprivileged areas, where gender disparities in education have been historically prevalent. According to the Ministry of Education, girls’ enrollment in schools increased by 8.1% between 2015 and 2021, with a noticeable rise in secondary and higher secondary education in states like Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar. A UNICEF India study also reported a 32% rise in rural school enrollment for girls, marking a major milestone in bridging the gender education gap. The initiative’s success can be attributed to its extensive grassroots engagement, with over 7 lakh ambassadors—including teachers, healthcare professionals, and local government officials—actively advocating for girls’ rights and education. These community-driven efforts have contributed to changing societal attitudes, making education for girls a priority in many households.
The scheme’s impact has been further amplified through powerful media campaigns that have garnered national and international attention. The #SelfieWithDaughter campaign, launched as part of BBBP, gained immense popularity and engaged citizens across the country in promoting gender equality. International bodies like UN Women and UNICEF have recognized BBBP as a model initiative for addressing gender disparities and improving the welfare of girls. By combining policy interventions, community engagement, and public awareness initiatives, the BBBP scheme has made significant strides in ensuring that girls in India are not only protected but also empowered with equal opportunities to thrive and succeed in life.
Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana
Launched in 2015, the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY) has emerged as a transformative initiative aimed at securing the financial future of girl children in India. By offering a significantly higher interest rate compared to conventional savings accounts, SSY encourages parents to invest in their daughters’ education, marriage, and overall well-being. Since its inception, over 6 crore accounts have been opened across the country, with remarkable participation from rural and semi-urban areas. The scheme’s financial inclusivity has particularly benefited underprivileged families, ensuring that girls receive equal financial support and opportunities. With cumulative deposits exceeding ₹60,000 crore as of 2021, the scheme has gained the trust of millions, proving to be a vital tool in promoting long-term savings and economic security for girls.
One of the key advantages of SSY is its lucrative interest rate, which stands at 7.6% per annum (as of 2021), making it one of the most rewarding savings schemes in India. The interest rate is reviewed quarterly, ensuring it remains competitive and beneficial. Additionally, the scheme offers substantial tax benefits under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act, 1961, with tax-free interest earnings and maturity amounts. These features make SSY an attractive financial instrument for families planning their daughters’ future expenses, particularly in rural areas where financial literacy is relatively low. Reports indicate that nearly 40% of the total accounts have been opened in rural regions, highlighting the scheme’s role in bridging the economic disparity and ensuring financial stability for girl children from all backgrounds.
Beyond financial security, the scheme plays a crucial role in empowering women by fostering a mindset shift among families regarding the value of investing in their daughters’ futures. By allowing partial withdrawals for higher education at the age of 18 and full maturity benefits at 21, SSY enables parents to support their daughters’ aspirations without financial constraints. The initiative has received international recognition for its contribution to financial literacy and gender equality, reinforcing India’s commitment to women’s economic empowerment. Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana is not just a savings plan—it is a powerful step towards ensuring that every girl in India has the financial support needed to achieve her dreams, thereby creating a more equitable and prosperous future for the nation.
PM CARES for Children Scheme
Introduced in 2021, the PM CARES for Children Scheme has emerged as a crucial initiative to support children who lost their parents due to the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. With a focus on ensuring their financial security, education, healthcare, and overall well-being, the scheme has provided assistance to over 1.5 lakh children as of 2022. A significant portion of these beneficiaries are girls, highlighting the government’s commitment to gender equality and empowerment. The scheme offers a corpus fund of ₹10 lakh for each eligible child, which will be accessible when they turn 18, ensuring a solid financial foundation. In the meantime, the annual interest generated from this fund supports their education and living expenses, allowing them to continue their studies without financial hardship.
Beyond financial aid, the scheme ensures holistic support for these children through education, healthcare, and skill development programs. School expenses, including books and tuition fees, are fully covered, and children have the opportunity to pursue higher education in premier government institutions like IITs, NITs, and medical colleges. Additionally, a ₹5 lakh annual health insurance coverage under the Ayushman Bharat scheme guarantees access to quality healthcare. To help them transition smoothly into adulthood, the scheme also provides a monthly stipend to cover daily necessities and offers vocational training and skill development programs, equipping them with the tools needed for a self-reliant future. Special attention has been given to empowering girls by ensuring they receive equal educational and career opportunities, helping them break socio-economic barriers.
Recognizing the immense emotional trauma these children have faced, the scheme includes dedicated mental health and psychological support. Counseling and therapy sessions are facilitated to help them cope with grief and emotional distress. The implementation of the scheme is further strengthened through collaborations with state governments, local authorities, and NGOs, ensuring efficient outreach, particularly in rural and underserved areas. The PM CARES for Children Scheme has not only provided a safety net for these children but has also empowered them with opportunities for a brighter future. By securing their financial, educational, and emotional well-being, the initiative plays a transformative role in rebuilding the lives of orphaned children, especially girls, ensuring they emerge stronger and capable of shaping their own destinies.
Shrestha (Scheme for Residential Education for Students in High School in Targeted Areas)
The Shrestha Scheme (Scheme for Residential Education for Students in High Schools in Targeted Areas), launched by the Modi government, is a transformative initiative aimed at providing quality education to girls from marginalized, rural, and tribal communities. By establishing residential schools, the scheme ensures that girls from economically weaker backgrounds have access to a safe and conducive learning environment, bridging the educational gap between urban and rural areas. This initiative not only fosters academic excellence but also plays a crucial role in increasing school enrollment and retention rates among underprivileged girls, helping them overcome geographical and financial barriers to education.
Beyond academics, the Shrestha Scheme emphasizes vocational training and life skills development, equipping girls with practical skills in fields such as agriculture, healthcare, IT, and hospitality. This approach enhances their employability and economic independence, empowering them to build sustainable careers. Additionally, the scheme focuses on holistic development by incorporating leadership training, confidence-building programs, and personal development initiatives, ensuring that girls not only receive formal education but also grow into strong, self-reliant individuals. The residential schools provide a structured environment with nutritional support, regular health check-ups, and mental health assistance, further contributing to the overall well-being of the students.
With substantial government investments and collaborations with state authorities, NGOs, and educational organizations, the Shrestha Scheme has successfully enrolled thousands of girls across India, significantly improving literacy rates and educational outcomes in remote areas. Many beneficiaries have transitioned into higher education or gained employment, highlighting the scheme’s long-term impact on women’s empowerment. By prioritizing the education of marginalized girls and equipping them with the necessary skills for a brighter future, the Shrestha Scheme stands as a crucial step toward gender equality, social upliftment, and national development, reinforcing the vision of a more inclusive and educated India.
National Nutrition Mission (Poshan Abhiyaan)
Launched in 2018, Poshan Abhiyaan (National Nutrition Mission) is a flagship initiative of the Modi government aimed at improving the nutritional status of children, adolescent girls, and women, with a special focus on rural and tribal areas. The mission addresses critical issues such as malnutrition, anemia, stunting, and undernutrition, particularly emphasizing the first 1000 days of a child’s life, which are crucial for healthy growth and development. By promoting maternal nutrition, early breastfeeding, and complementary feeding, the scheme ensures that newborns and young children receive the essential nutrients needed for a strong foundation in life.
A key aspect of Poshan Abhiyaan is its targeted approach to improving girls’ and women’s nutrition, particularly addressing widespread anemia among adolescent girls and pregnant women. Through the distribution of iron-folic acid supplements and the promotion of iron-rich foods, the mission aims to reduce iron-deficiency anemia and improve overall health outcomes. The initiative also leverages technology, such as the POSHAN Tracker, to monitor nutritional status and ensure effective service delivery, while state-level interventions further strengthen the program’s implementation. By collaborating with various sectors, including health, education, and agriculture, the scheme adopts a multi-sectoral approach to tackle malnutrition through clean water access, improved sanitation, and behavioral change initiatives.
With a strong focus on sustainability, community engagement, and awareness campaigns, Poshan Abhiyaan has made significant strides in improving nutrition levels across India. The mission has successfully reduced stunting and wasting in children, as evidenced by data from NFHS-5, and has enhanced nutritional awareness among rural populations. Moving forward, the government aims to reduce stunting to 25% by 2025 and achieve even greater milestones in combating malnutrition. By prioritizing early childhood nutrition and empowering girls through better health and dietary education, Poshan Abhiyaan is laying the groundwork for a healthier, more resilient future for India’s women and children.
Mission Vatsalya
Mission Vatsalya, launched by the Ministry of Women and Child Development in 2021, is a comprehensive initiative aimed at safeguarding vulnerable children, especially girls, from abuse, trafficking, exploitation, and neglect. As part of the National Action Plan for Children, the scheme focuses on providing holistic protection and rehabilitation services, including rescue operations, safe shelter, education, healthcare, and psychological support. The establishment of child care institutions (CCIs) and child welfare committees (CWCs) across states ensures that children in distress receive immediate intervention and long-term support for their well-being and reintegration into society.
A key aspect of Mission Vatsalya is its emphasis on empowerment through education and skill development. Rescued girls are enrolled in formal education, vocational training, and life skills programs to help them become independent and self-sufficient. The mission also incorporates technology-driven solutions like the Child Helpline (1098) and the Track Child Portal, which have successfully reunited thousands of missing children with their families. Moreover, by working closely with NGOs, local authorities, and civil society organizations, the mission has expanded its outreach to rural and tribal areas, ensuring that child protection services reach those most at risk.
Since its inception, Mission Vatsalya has had a significant impact on reducing child trafficking, child labor, and early marriage by creating awareness and strengthening child protection frameworks. In 2021-2022 alone, the scheme rehabilitated over 12,000 girls, providing them with secure environments and opportunities for a brighter future. Going forward, the government aims to expand the initiative by increasing the number of rehabilitation centers, enhancing community participation, and strengthening child welfare institutions. By focusing on rescue, rehabilitation, and long-term empowerment, Mission Vatsalya is shaping a safer, more just society where every girl in India can thrive with dignity and security.
Legal Reforms for Girls
The Modi government has taken significant steps to strengthen the legal framework for the protection, safety, and justice of girls in India. Various laws have been introduced or amended to address issues such as child marriage, sexual exploitation, and abuse, ensuring stringent punishment for offenders while enhancing victim protection and rehabilitation. One of the most crucial reforms is the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015, which prioritizes the rehabilitation of children in distress, particularly girls affected by abuse, trafficking, and neglect. Under this law, Child Welfare Committees (CWCs) and specialized child care institutions have been expanded to provide comprehensive support, including shelter, medical care, and psychosocial assistance. With the government’s focus on expanding rehabilitation homes, thousands of rescued children have been provided with the care they need to reintegrate into society.
Another critical legal reform is the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2018, which introduced stricter punishments for crimes against girls, including the death penalty for the rape of minors under 12 years of age. This amendment aimed to act as a strong deterrent while ensuring a more victim-friendly legal process, including fast-track courts for swift justice. The government’s commitment to quick and effective legal proceedings has resulted in a notable increase in convictions, strengthening public trust in the justice system. In addition, the establishment of more fast-track courts under this amendment has accelerated the resolution of cases related to crimes against women and children, ensuring that perpetrators face strict legal consequences without undue delays.
While legal measures provide a strong foundation for child protection, policies such as the National Policy for Children (2013) continue to shape a broader framework for the welfare and empowerment of girls. This policy, aligned with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, emphasizes child protection, education, healthcare, and social integration, ensuring that every girl in India has the opportunity to thrive in a secure and supportive environment. By reinforcing these laws and policies, the Modi government has created a more robust legal and institutional mechanism to safeguard girls, ensuring that they are not only protected from harm but also empowered to lead fulfilling lives. These reforms reflect the government’s commitment to strengthening child rights and ensuring a safer and more just society for girls across the country.
These facts highlight the concerted efforts made by the Modi government to not only protect but also empower the girl child through legal reforms, welfare schemes, and educational initiatives, ensuring a brighter future for girls across India.
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(The views expressed are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect the position of the organisation)
