A recent investigation by a parliamentary committee on female empowerment revealed underutilization of central funds, specifically those allocated to programmes catering to the girl child. The flagship ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’ (BBBP) scheme was one of these programs in the spotlight from 2014 to 2019.
Poor Utilization and Improper Spending of Funds
From its inception in 2014-15 until 2019-20, BBBP had a total budgetary allocation of Rs. 848 crore (excluding the Covid-affected financial year of 2020-21). During this time, Rs. 622.48 crore reached the states, but only about a quarter of these funds were spent within the States and Union Territories.
Interestingly, approximately 80% of all funds under BBBP were funneled into media campaigns. This deviated from the prescribed formula for fund allocation, which suggests Rs. 50 lakh per year per district for six categories. These include inter-sectoral consultation or capacity building, innovation, or awareness generation activities, monitoring and evaluation, sectoral interventions in health and education, with flexi funds making up the remaining percentage.
Proposal for Revised Spending
The government’s excessive expenditure on advertisements under the BBBP scheme is concerning. It is recommended that they reassess this spending and concentrate on allocating funds for sectoral interventions, particularly in the fields of education and health.
About the BBBP Scheme
Launched in January 2015, BBBP sought to combat gender-biased abortions and reverse the dwindling child sex ratio. This joint initiative by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, and Ministry of Human Resource Development is currently operational across 405 districts nationwide.
The scheme’s core objectives include preventing gender-biased sex-selective elimination, ensuring the survival and protection of the girl child, and promoting her education and participation. In addition, the initiative aims to protect the rights of girl children.
Performance Analysis of BBBP Scheme
Data from the Health Management Information System (HMIS) indicates an improvement in the Sex Ratio at Birth (SRB) from 918 in 2014-15 to 934 in 2019-20. The percentage of AnteNatal Care (ANC) registration during the first trimester and institutional deliveries has also shown a promising incline during these years. Comments on educational parameters highlight an increase in the Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) of girls at the secondary level and better availability of separate functional toilets for girls in schools.
BBBP has successfully brought female infanticide, the educational deprivation of girls, and infringement of their rights into the public spotlight.
Other Initiatives Supporting Girl Children
In addition to BBBP, there are several other schemes targeting the welfare of girl children. ‘UJJAWALA’ is one such initiative designed to prevent trafficking and assist the rescue, rehabilitation, and re-integration of victims. The Kishore Health Card records weight, height, and Body Mass Index (BMI) data of Adolescent Girls. Finally, the Scheme for Adolescent Girls (SAG) and Sukanya Samridhi Yojana are other notable programs aiding the development of young girls.