Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Quiz: 10 Questions on the Campaign

Study Notes

Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (Save the Girl Child, Educate the Girl Child)

Launched in January 2015 by the Government of India, the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) campaign has become a nationwide movement focused on improving the status of the girl child and promoting gender equality. This initiative aims to address the concerning decline in the Child Sex Ratio (CSR) and to ensure that girls receive equal access to education and opportunities.

The Child Sex Ratio in India

The CSR refers to the number of girls per 1000 boys in the 0-6 age group. In India, this ratio has been steadily declining due to sex-selective abortions and female infanticide. The problem is particularly severe in certain regions, where the CSR is well below the national average of 918. The BBBP campaign targets areas with the lowest CSRs and aims to change the mindset that views girls as a burden or a liability.

The Three Pillars of Beti Bachao Beti Padhao

The BBBP campaign focuses on three main areas:

Prevention of gender-biased sex selection: The campaign encourages the adoption of a pro-natalist attitude towards girls by educating communities about the value and importance of having a daughter. This is achieved through campaigns, workshops, and seminars that promote gender equality and challenge the notion of a son preference.
Enrollment of girls in schools: The campaign aims to increase the enrollment of girls in schools from an early age, as girls who attend school are less likely to be subjected to violence, exploitation, and child marriage.
Protection of girls from violence and abuse: The BBBP campaign works to prevent child marriage, dowry, and other forms of violence and abuse against girls. It also supports the implementation of programs aimed at empowering girls and strengthening their rights.

The Impact of the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Campaign

The BBBP campaign has had a significant impact on various aspects of the lives of girls and women in India:

Increased awareness: The campaign has raised awareness about gender equality, female education, and the importance of having a daughter. It has also challenged the idea of son preference and highlighted the need for a pro-natalist approach towards girls.
Improved enrollment rates: The BBBP campaign has led to an increase in the enrollment of girls in schools. For example, in Haryana, one of the states with the lowest CSR, the enrollment of girls in schools increased by 11% between 2014 and 2018. Similarly, in Jharkhand, the enrollment of girls increased by 13% during the same period.
Reduced gender-biased sex selection: The campaign has led to a decrease in the number of sex-selective abortions, as evidenced by a reduction in the gap between the number of female and male births.

Despite its success, the BBBP campaign faces several challenges, including inadequate implementation, lack of resources, and resistance from certain communities. However, with continued efforts and support from various stakeholders, the campaign has the potential to create a more equitable and just society for girls and women in India.

Description

Learn about the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) campaign launched by the Government of India to address the declining Child Sex Ratio (CSR) and promote gender equality. Explore the three main pillars of the campaign and its impact on girls' education, gender-biased sex selection, and protection from violence and abuse.