The Central Government of India has widened the scope of the flagship scheme, ‘Beti Bachao Beti Padhao’ (BBBP), to incorporate skilling of girls in non-traditional livelihood (NTL) options. This announcement was made during the national conference on skilling in NTLs for girls. The Ministry of Women & Child Development (MW&CD) underscored the significance of inter-departmental collaboration in providing quality education to empower girls.
About BBBP Scheme
Launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 22, 2015, the BBBP scheme targets declining child sex ratio (CSR) and other women’s empowerment related issues. As a unified initiative of the Ministry of Education, MW&CD, and the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MH&FW), the main objectives of this scheme include prevention of gender-based, sex-selective elimination, protection and education of girl children, ensuring their active participation in various activities.
Innovative Interventions under BBBP Scheme
Several innovations have been introduced under the BBBP scheme to create a positive environment for girls. These initiatives include Guddi-Gudda Boards which publicly display birth statistics segregated by gender. Practices like celebrating the birth of a girl child and organizing plantation drives symbolizing nurturing and care for girls also received high recognition under the scheme.
New Amendments in the BBBP Scheme
Among the new goals in the revised BBBP scheme are increasing enrollment by 1% at the secondary level, specifically in STEM subjects, skilling of girls and women in non-traditional livelihoods annually, raising awareness about safe menstrual hygiene, and putting an end to child marriages.
Governance Changes in the Scheme
The MW&CD stressed the need for convergence among different departments to provide quality education, including vocational training, to empower girls. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the MW&CD, the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, and the Ministry of Minority Affairs. This MoU aimed at ensuring adolescents complete their education, acquire skills, and join the workforce in a variety of professions.
Other Initiatives Supporting Girl Children
Several initiatives are in place to support girl children, including Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana, CBSE Udaan Scheme, National Scheme of Incentive to Girls for Secondary Education, National Girl Child Day, Scheme for Adolescent Girls, and Sukanya Samridhi Yojana.
Understanding Non-Traditional Livelihoods (NTL)
Non-Traditional Livelihoods refers to sectors and jobs where women’s participation has conventionally been minimal or non-existent. These include STEM subjects, which have typically seen lower female participation due to gender-based categorization of work in society.
Challenges Faced by Women in India
Despite many initiatives, women in India continue to face several challenges, such as unequal access to resources, gender-based violence, socio-cultural barriers, and limited participation in decision-making processes. Additionally, the concept of gender budgeting is crucial for women’s empowerment in India but requires further incorporation into the country’s planning and budgeting processes.
Last Modified: February 18, 2024