Gender equality in survival and educational opportunities is fundamental to achieving inclusive economic development and upholding basic human rights. India’s ‘Beti Padhao Beti Bachao Yojana‘ (Save the Daughter, Educate the Daughter Scheme) was launched in 2015 to address the deep-seated patriarchal norms that favour sons over daughters, leading to adverse child sex ratios and hindering girls’ education.
Objectives of the Scheme
● Improving the Child Sex Ratio (CSR): The scheme aims to address the declining number of girls per 1,000 boys, which has been a significant concern in India.
● Ensuring Survival and Protection of the Girl Child: By combating societal biases and harmful practices, the scheme seeks to safeguard the rights and lives of girl children.
● Promoting Education and Participation of the Girl Child: Encouraging families to educate their daughters and support their active participation in social, economic, and political spheres.
Initially implemented in 161 districts with alarming CSR figures, the scheme expanded nationwide, covering all 640 districts, to create a broader impact.
Implementation Challenges
Despite its noble objectives, the scheme faces several hurdles:
● Patriarchal Social Norms: Deep-rooted cultural preferences for male children continue to influence family planning decisions, leading to practices detrimental to the survival and well-being of girl children.
● Educational Barriers: A survey highlighted that 73.5% of schools reported challenges such as domestic responsibilities, lack of functional toilets, inability to afford educational materials, and unsafe transportation, all contributing to higher dropout rates among girls.
● Monitoring and Evaluation Deficiencies: The scheme’s effectiveness is undermined by inadequate monitoring mechanisms, leading to inconsistent implementation and difficulty in measuring progress accurately.
Recommendations for Improvement
To enhance the efficacy of the Beti Padhao Beti Bachao Yojana, the following measures are proposed:
● Digitisation for Monitoring: Leveraging technology can streamline the monitoring process. Implementing digital tools for regular data collection and analysis can provide real-time insights into the scheme’s progress, enabling timely interventions.
● Recruitment of Female Educators: Encouraging educated women to join the teaching profession can create a supportive environment for girl students. Female teachers can serve as role models, inspiring girls to pursue education and career aspirations.
● Community Engagement and Awareness: Grassroots initiatives involving local communities can challenge patriarchal norms. Awareness campaigns highlighting the value of girl children and the importance of their education can shift societal attitudes.
● Infrastructure Development: Investing in school infrastructure, such as building functional toilets and providing safe transportation, can address practical barriers that prevent girls from attending school regularly.
● Financial Support Mechanisms: Offering scholarships, free educational materials, and other financial incentives can alleviate the economic burdens that often lead families to prioritise sons’ education over daughters’.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, while the Beti Padhao Beti Bachao Yojana has successfully brought attention to gender disparities in India, its impact can be significantly amplified through strategic reforms. Addressing societal norms, improving educational infrastructure, and implementing robust monitoring systems are crucial steps toward realising the scheme’s vision of gender equality. For a comprehensive analysis and further insights, please visit the original article here
