Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao Campaign in Haryana

The Haryana government has intensified its ‘Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao’ campaign to improve the state’s sex ratio. This initiative is part of a broader effort to promote the value of the girl child. The campaign is spearheaded by the Health and Women and Child Development departments. It includes a series of awareness rallies and public marches in parks across Haryana. These events aim to engage the community and raise awareness about the importance of valuing girls.

Campaign Objectives

The main objective of the campaign is to improve the sex ratio in Haryana. The state has historically struggled with gender imbalance. The campaign promotes awareness of the importance of girls, aiming to change societal attitudes. It also seeks to curb illegal abortions and ensure the protection of female fetuses.

Public Engagement Strategies

Awareness rallies display banners that show the sex ratio in various districts. This visual representation encourages community engagement. Social media campaigns have also been launched by the Women and Child Development Department. These campaigns are designed to reach a wider audience, amplifying the message of valuing the girl child.

Progress and Results

As of June 30, 2025, Haryana’s sex ratio has improved to 906, up from 904 during the same period in 2024. This gradual increase reflects the effectiveness of ongoing efforts. However, the government acknowledges that more work is needed to sustain this improvement.

Legal and Regulatory Measures

The campaign includes strict enforcement against illegal abortions. Officials are mandated to take punitive action against doctors involved in such practices. A recent case involved a hospital in Hisar losing its medical termination of pregnancy license due to illegal activities. Enhanced surveillance of community health centres is also a priority.

Community Health Initiatives

Birth registration camps are being organised in economically disadvantaged areas. The aim is to ensure that all children are registered. Programme officers are tasked with compiling lists of unregistered children with the help of local Anganwadi workers. This initiative is crucial for integrating all children into official records.

Accountability and Monitoring

Senior medical officers are held accountable for illegal practices in their jurisdictions. Non-compliance could lead to disciplinary action. A blacklist of non-compliant officers will be created to ensure accountability. The government is also monitoring IVF centres for potential illegal sex-determination activities.

Focus on Underperforming Districts

Districts with poor sex ratios are under increased scrutiny. The government has directed intensified action and raids in these areas. This targeted approach aims to address specific challenges faced by underperforming districts.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Discuss the impact of gender imbalance on societal development in India.
2. Critically examine the effectiveness of the ‘Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao’ campaign in improving sex ratios.
3. What are the implications of illegal abortions on women’s health and societal norms? Explain.
4. Comment on the role of community engagement in health initiatives aimed at improving sex ratios in India.

Answer Hints:

1. Discuss the impact of gender imbalance on societal development in India.

1. Gender imbalance leads to a skewed sex ratio, resulting in a shortage of women in society.
2. This imbalance can increase violence against women and human trafficking.
3. It hampers economic growth as it limits the workforce and potential contributions of women.
4. Social structures may become unstable, leading to increased crime rates and social unrest.
5. Long-term effects include a decline in marriage rates and family structures, affecting future generations.

2. Critically examine the effectiveness of the ‘Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao’ campaign in improving sex ratios.

1. The campaign has shown a slight improvement in Haryana’s sex ratio from 904 to 906.
2. Awareness rallies and social media campaigns have engaged the community effectively.
3. Legal measures against illegal abortions have been enforced, indicating a proactive approach.
4. However, challenges remain in sustaining improvements and addressing deep-rooted societal attitudes.
5. Continuous monitoring and accountability measures are essential for long-term success.

3. What are the implications of illegal abortions on women’s health and societal norms? Explain.

1. Illegal abortions can lead to severe health complications, including infection and maternal mortality.
2. They perpetuate gender discrimination by devaluing female fetuses, affecting societal perceptions of women.
3. Such practices can create psychological trauma for women involved in illegal procedures.
4. Illegal abortions undermine legal and ethical healthcare practices, leading to a lack of trust in medical professionals.
5. They contribute to the ongoing cycle of gender imbalance, affecting future generations.

4. Comment on the role of community engagement in health initiatives aimed at improving sex ratios in India.

1. Community engagement encourages awareness and alters perceptions about the value of girl children.
2. Public rallies and social media outreach create a platform for dialogue and education.
3. Local involvement ensures that initiatives are culturally relevant and tailored to specific community needs.
4. Engaged communities are more likely to participate in birth registration and other health initiatives.
5. Collective action can lead to sustained changes in societal norms regarding gender and health.