What began as an effort to protect the lives of girls has evolved into a nationwide push to educate them. Eleven years on, the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) programme reflects a story of progress and optimism for girls in classrooms across India.
Beti Bachao Beti Padhao marked 11 years on January 22. Launched in 2015, the initiative aimed not only at preventing gender-based discrimination but also at ensuring girls receive equal and meaningful access to education.
Over more than a decade, the scheme has shown how strong policies, awareness campaigns and school-level reforms can bring real change. By combining advocacy, strict implementation and education-focused measures, BBBP addressed deep-rooted barriers that kept girls out of school. Its emphasis on local execution, continuous monitoring and coordination among ministries has led to visible improvements in both health and education indicators.
Here are 11 ways in which Beti Bachao Beti Padhao has contributed to improving girl child education in India:
- Higher retention rates kept girls in school
According to UDISE+ data, around 12.28 crore girls were enrolled from primary to higher secondary levels in 2021–22, showing growth over previous years. Retention at foundational levels has reached nearly 99%, while secondary-level retention continues to rise, indicating fewer girls are dropping out early. - Increasing share of girls’ enrolment
Girls now account for 48.3% of total school enrolment in 2024–25, reflecting steady movement towards gender parity in education. - Improved access to secondary education
The Gross Enrolment Ratio for girls at the secondary level rose from 75.51% in 2014–15 to 78% in 2023–24, highlighting greater participation in higher classes. - Better school infrastructure for girls
Nearly 97% of schools now have separate toilets for girls, and over 63% offer internet facilities, making schools safer and more inclusive. BBBP’s alignment with health initiatives, including menstrual hygiene awareness, has further supported girls’ learning environments. - More women teachers encouraged girls
Women now form 54.2% of the teaching workforce, providing role models and creating a more supportive atmosphere for girls in schools. - Improved transition rates across grades
More girls are successfully moving from one stage of education to the next, indicating sustained academic progression once they enter school. - Reduced dropout rates at key stages
Dropout levels at preparatory, middle and secondary stages have declined, showing improved engagement and continuity in girls’ education. - Integration with women-focused welfare schemes
BBBP was later brought under Mission Shakti, linking education with broader safety and empowerment initiatives. Through Sambal and Samarthya components, services like One Stop Centres, women’s helplines, hostels, creches and skill programmes became more accessible, easing social and economic barriers to schooling. - Digital tracking enabled focused action
A dedicated Management Information System monitored enrolment and retention at the district level, allowing authorities to identify problem areas and conduct targeted drives to bring girls back to school. - Community involvement strengthened participation
Local campaigns at village and district levels promoted the importance of educating girls. School rallies, local events and media outreach helped shift mindsets that once favoured boys’ education. - District-led initiatives made education a local priority
By empowering districts to design action plans and monitor outcomes in real time, BBBP ensured interventions were tailored to local needs, resulting in more effective outcomes.
After 11 years, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao has delivered measurable improvements in girls’ education—ranging from enrolment and retention to safer schools and better academic progression. Although challenges persist, the evidence shows that when policy, community engagement and school reforms work together, girls gain a stronger foundation to learn, grow and shape their futures.
