A parliamentary committee on women's empowerment has raised concerns about the underutilization of central money for activities that target young women, including the flagship Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao plan from 2014 to 2019.
Major Points
- Poor Financial Management:
- With the exception of the Covid-affected financial year of 2020–21, the entire budgetary allocation made under the BBBP programme from its beginning in 2014–15 to 2019–20 was Rs. 848 crore.
- Only 25.13 percent of the money released to the States and Union Territories during this time, totaling Rs. 622.48 crore, has been used.
- With the exception of the Covid-affected financial year of 2020–21, the entire budgetary allocation made under the BBBP programme from its beginning in 2014–15 to 2019–20 was Rs. 848 crore.
- Only 25.13 percent of the money released to the States and Union Territories during this time, totaling Rs. 622.48 crore, has been used.
- Misappropriation of Funds:
- A staggering 80% of the money allocated for the centrepiece BBBP programme was used for media marketing.
- Despite the clearly defined methodology for funding usage, which allocates Rs. 50 lakh annually for use across six different components for each district, a significant amount of money was spent on marketing.
- Out of the Rs 50 lakh, 16% will go towards inter-sectoral consultation or capacity building, 50% will go towards innovation or awareness-raising initiatives, 6% will go towards monitoring and evaluation, 10% will go towards sector-specific interventions in the health and education sectors, and 8% would go towards flex funding.
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The government should rethink its BBBP advertising spending decisions and put more effort into budgeting for sectoral interventions in the areas of education and health.
BBBP Scheme:
- In order to address sex selective abortion and the falling child sex ratio, which was 918 girls for every 1,000 boys in 2011, it was introduced in January 2015.
- The Ministry of Women and Child Development, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, and the Ministry of Human Resource Development are working together on this project.
- The campaign is being carried out in 405 districts across the nation.
Main Objectives:
- Avoiding sex-selective elimination with gender bias.
- Ensuring the girl child's survival and protection.
- Ensuring that girls receive an education and may participate.
- Defending the rights of young girls.
- A birth's sex ratio is:
- According to data from the Health Management Information System (HMIS), the Sex Ratio at Birth (SRB) has increased by 16 points, from 918 in 2014–15 to 934 in 2019–20.
- Important Case Studies (Districts)-
- Mau (Uttar Pradesh), which increased from 694 in 2014–15 to 951 in 2019–20,
- Karnal, Haryana, increased from 758 in 2014–15 to 898 in 2019–20,
- from 791 (2014–15) to 919 (2019–20): Mahendergarh (Haryana), etc.
- Health:
ANC Registration: The percentage of women who register for ANC (AnteNatal Care) during the first trimester has increased from 61% in 2014–15 to 71% in 2019–20.
Institutional Deliveries: From 87% in 2014–15 to 94% in 2019–20, the percentage of institutional deliveries has improved.
- Education :
- Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER): According to preliminary statistics from the Unified District Information System for Education (UDISE), the GER of girls enrolled in secondary schools increased from 77.45 (2014–15) to 81.32 (2018–19).
- Toilet for girls: From 92.1% in 2014–15 to 95.1% in 2018–19, more schools now have functional separate restrooms for girls.
- Attitudinal Change:
- The BBBP programme has been successful in drawing attention to significant issues such female infanticide, the lack of education among girls, and the denial of their rights throughout the life cycle.
- One of the major events celebrated in each district is Beti Janmotsav.
Other Initiatives for Girl Children-
- UJJAWALA: A Comprehensive Scheme for Prevention of Trafficking and Rescue, Rehabilitation, and Re-Integration of Victims of Trafficking for Commercial Sexual Exploitation was created to address the issue of trafficking.
- The purpose of the Kishore Health Card is to keep track of the weight, height, and Body Mass Index (BMI) of Adolescent Girls (AGs). The AnganWadi centres (AWCs) keep track of these health cards for AGs.
- SAG, or the Scheme for Adolescent Girls.
- Sukanya Samridhi Yojana and others.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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| Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) - Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao Scheme |
1. What is the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao (BBBP) Scheme?
Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao is a government initiative launched in India to address the declining child sex ratio and promote the education and empowerment of the girl child.
2. When was the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao Scheme launched?
The scheme was launched on January 22, 2015, by the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi.
3. What is the main objective of the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao Scheme?
The primary objective is to prevent gender-biased sex selection, ensure survival and protection of the girl child, and promote her education and empowerment.
4. How does the scheme address the issue of declining child sex ratio?
The scheme focuses on creating awareness about the importance of the girl child, changing mindsets, and implementing strict measures against sex-selective practices.
5. What are the key components of the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao Scheme?
The scheme has three main components: prevention of gender-biased sex selection, ensuring survival and protection of the girl child, and ensuring education and participation.
6. How does the scheme promote education for the girl child?
BBBP encourages the enrollment and attendance of girls in schools, provides financial incentives for their education, and supports various initiatives to enhance educational opportunities.
7. Are there any financial incentives provided under the scheme?
Yes, the scheme includes financial incentives such as the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana, which provides a savings platform with income-tax benefits for the girl child.
8. How can individuals contribute to the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao initiative?
Individuals can contribute by spreading awareness, participating in community programs, supporting education initiatives for girls, and reporting any instances of gender-biased sex selection.
9. Is the scheme implemented nationwide?
Yes, Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao is a nationwide initiative, implemented across all states and union territories of India.
10. How can one get involved in Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao awareness campaigns?
Interested individuals can contact local government offices, NGOs, or participate in awareness programs organized by educational institutions and community groups.
11. What is the impact of the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao Scheme since its launch?
The scheme has shown positive results in improving the child sex ratio and promoting the education and empowerment of the girl child. However, sustained efforts are ongoing to achieve long-term impact.
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