Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Initiatives in Odisha

The “Beti Bachao Beti Padhao” (BBBP) scheme was launched in India on 22nd January 2015. It aims to combat gender imbalance and improve the declining child sex ratio. Odisha has implemented several initiatives under the BBBP scheme. These initiatives focus on empowering adolescent girls and preventing child marriage.

Key Initiatives in Odisha

Odisha’s government has launched multiple schemes to achieve BBBP objectives. These include “Nirbhaya Kadhi,” “Mo Gelha Jiya,” “Kalpana Avijan,” “Swarna Kalika,” and “Veerangana.” Each scheme targets different aspects of girl empowerment and child marriage prevention.

Nirbhaya Kadhi and Mo Gelha Jiya

In Ganjam district, the “Nirbhaya Kadhi” initiative covers 183,933 adolescent girls aged 11-18 across 3,309 villages. It aims to raise awareness about girls’ rights and prevent child marriage. The “Mo Gelha Jiya” scheme combats sex selection and female foeticide. As a result, Ganjam district was declared child marriage-free on 3rd January 2022. From 2019 to October 2024, 20 out of 953 child marriages were successfully prevented.

Kalpana Avijan in Dhenkanal

The “Kalpana Avijan” scheme in Dhenkanal monitors adolescent girls aged 10-19. It has prevented 343 child marriages between 2019 and 2024. Approximately 113,515 girls are enrolled. Public declarations against child marriage were made by around 445,000 students in 3,425 schools.

Swarna Kalika in Keonjhar

The “Swarna Kalika” scheme focuses on raising awareness about the harmful effects of child marriage. Over 2,000 stakeholders participated in campaigns. The initiative promoted the ADVIKA app for intervention. By 2024, child marriages were reduced by 50% through community mobilization.

Veerangana in Deogarh

The “Veerangana” scheme aims to enhance self-esteem and confidence in girls through martial arts training. A 30-day training camp involved over 500 adolescents. The programme included awareness sessions on legal rights. Female master trainers were developed to extend training to 6,000 girls in rural schools.

Impact and Recognition

These initiatives have contributed to the empowerment of girls in Odisha. They have raised awareness and mobilised communities against child marriage. The efforts have received recognition, including awards for proactive measures in child rights protection.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Critically analyse the impact of the “Beti Bachao Beti Padhao” scheme on gender equality in India.
2. What are the challenges faced in implementing child marriage prevention laws in India? Provide suitable examples.
3. Explain the significance of community involvement in the success of initiatives under the “Beti Bachao Beti Padhao” scheme.
4. What is the role of martial arts in empowering adolescent girls? How can it help in preventing gender-based violence?

Answer Hints:

1. Critically analyse the impact of the “Beti Bachao Beti Padhao” scheme on gender equality in India.

1. BBBP aims to improve the child sex ratio and combat gender discrimination.
2. Initiatives like “Nirbhaya Kadhi” and “Veerangana” promote education and self-defense for girls.
3. Public awareness campaigns have mobilized communities against child marriage.
4. Recognition of rights and empowerment of girls have increased over the years.
5. However, challenges remain, including deep-rooted societal norms and limited resources.

2. What are the challenges faced in implementing child marriage prevention laws in India? Provide suitable examples.

1. Societal norms and traditions often prioritize early marriages, especially in rural areas.
2. Lack of awareness about legal rights and child protection among communities hinders enforcement.
3. Insufficient resources and training for Child Marriage Prohibition Officers (CMPOs) impact effectiveness.
4. Examples include Ganjam district where only 20 out of 953 child marriages were prevented despite efforts.
5. Resistance from families and communities can obstruct legal interventions and awareness campaigns.

3. Explain the significance of community involvement in the success of initiatives under the “Beti Bachao Beti Padhao” scheme.

1. Community engagement encourages collective responsibility for protecting girls’ rights.
2. Local leaders and stakeholders can influence attitudes towards education and marriage.
3. Awareness programs in villages encourage participation and commitment to preventing child marriage.
4. Successful examples include oath-taking ceremonies in schools, promoting public declarations against child marriage.
5. Community support enhances the sustainability and reach of initiatives like “Kalpana Avijan.”

4. What is the role of martial arts in empowering adolescent girls? How can it help in preventing gender-based violence?

1. Martial arts training builds self-esteem and confidence among adolescent girls.
2. It equips girls with self-defense skills to protect themselves from harassment and violence.
3. Programs like “Veerangana” promote physical fitness and mental resilience.
4. Awareness sessions educate girls about their legal rights and entitlements.
5. Empowered girls are more likely to challenge societal norms and advocate for their rights.