India’s sex ratio has been a matter of concern since ages but it wasn’t until the 2011 Census Data the importance of protecting girl child came to light. The number of girls aged between 0-6 per 1000 boys came down from 927 to 918 in 2011. This was the lowest sex ratio in India since 1961. Although the overall sex ratio in this time period jumped from 933 to 943 females per 1000 males, the situation urgently demanded a redressal for the girl child protection
In order to bridge this gap between the male and female, a three-ministerial initiative ‘Beti Bachao Beti Padhao’ was launched in the year 2015 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It’s a joint effort of the three ministries namely Women and Child Development, Health and Family Welfare, and Human Resource Development.
The Campaign
The campaign ‘Beti Bachao Beti Padhao’ has been a focal point of all developmental programs since its inception. Whether it’s the #selfiewithdaughter trending on social media or the active operations of PCPNDT (Pre Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques) Cell, the government has been constantly pushing the campaign with strong marketing tactics so as to spread the awareness of protecting females and bringing equality in the society.
The campaign which started with just 100 districts is currently operational in 161 districts to keep a check on female infanticide. On the occasion of International Women’s Day i.e. 8th March, the program is going to be expanded in the form of a pan-India movement, thereby leading the country to a more empowered and stronger stature in terms of gender equality. It’s going to be a grand program in Jhunjhunu where PM Modi and Rajasthan CM Vasundhra Raje will be launching National Nutrition Mission alongside the expansion of Beti Bachao Beti Padhao campaign.
Positive Change
Talking about the impact, the campaign Beti Bachao Beti Padhao has brought a positive change in several small districts, particularly in Rajasthan. In fact, Jhunjhunu that used to have the lowest sex to birth ratio in the state has now attained the figure of 955 females per 1000 males. More and more people are reporting crimes and cases are being investigated with the utmost severity.
People have never been more concerned and informed about female foeticide as much as they are today. From increasing the jail term to rewarding the informers about female foeticide cases, several positive changes are being carried out in the legal system.
Special Measures
Furthermore, a special cell has been formed that is completely dedicated to punishing the criminals charged in cases of female foeticide and sex determination. The first police station dedicated solely to such cases became operational in Rajasthan and from there the teams from other states like UP, Himachal Pradesh, Gujarat, etc are also taking necessary training to follow the suit.
Impact
Overall, the campaign of Beti Bachao Beti Padhao has brought a major change by boosting the sex ratio and by spreading awareness as to how important it is to treat the girls and boys equally. The young girls are being honored, rewarded, and encouraged for their academic excellence and other achievements.
It’s not just the financial assistance in the form of tax exempted bank accounts that is helping families to reduce the burden on expenditure but it’s also making them realize that is girls are given the freedom and education that they deserve; they are no less than boys.
