Telangana Doing Well in the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) Scheme
Table of Contents
Source: The Hindu
Relevance: Paper-III — Indian Society, Constitution & Governance
Important Key Concepts for Prelims and Mains:
For Prelims:
- Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP),Saksham Anganwadi & Poshan 2.0,PC-PNDT Act, 1994
For Mains:
- Gender Empowerment & Social Indicators, Women Protection Mechanisms (OSC, 181 Helpline), Early Childhood Care & Nutrition Governance
Why in News?
The Union Minister of State for Women & Child Development, Savitri Thakur, informed Parliament that Telangana is demonstrating strong progress under the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) programme. Responding to Warangal MP Kadiyam Kavya, the Minister highlighted improvements in child welfare, girl-child empowerment, and institutional support systems across the State.
Key Details from Parliament Response
1. BBBP Performance in Telangana
The Minister stated that BBBP interventions are helping address the declining Child Sex Ratio (CSR) and empowering girls through:
- Awareness on PC-PNDT Act
- Promotion of sports & skilling programmes
- Community-led behavioural change campaigns
- Multi-sectoral interventions across health, education & protection
These initiatives have contributed to improved visibility and support for the girl child in Telangana.
2. Warangal MP’s Queries in Parliament
MP Kadiyam Kavya sought detailed information on:
- BBBP implementation in Warangal
- Mahila Shakti Kendra activities
- Status of Anganwadi centres for nutrition & Early Childhood Care
- Growth monitoring under Poshan Abhiyaan
- Protection services such as One-Stop Centres and Women Helpline (181)
Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP)
Launch
- Launched: 22 January 2015
- Location: Panipat, Haryana
- Objective: Address declining Child Sex Ratio (CSR) & improve status of the girl child.
Nature of the Scheme
- Tri-ministerial initiative:
- Ministry of Women & Child Development (MWCD) – Nodal Ministry
- Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW)
- Ministry of Human Resource Development (now Ministry of Education)
- Focus:
- Enforcement of PC & PNDT Act, 1994
- Advocacy & nationwide awareness campaigns
- Multi-sectoral interventions in 100 low-CSR districts (Phase-I)
Key Elements
- Strict implementation of PC-PNDT Act to prevent sex-selective abortions.
- Social & behaviour change communication.
- Community mobilisation & sensitisation (training, awareness drives).
- Multi-sectoral coordination across health, education & WCD departments.
Objectives
- Prevent gender-biased sex selection.
- Improve Child Sex Ratio.
- Promote education & empowerment of girls.
- Encourage equal value, dignity & opportunities for girls.
- Strengthen convergence of existing schemes for girl child welfare.
Integration with Mission Shakti
Since 2021, BBBP functions under Mission Shakti, which has two components:
A. Sambal (Safety & Security)
• One-Stop Centres (OSCs)
• Women Helpline 181
• Nari Adalat (community-based grievance redressal)
• BBBP expanded nationwide
B. Samarthya (Empowerment)
• Shakti Sadans (rehabilitation homes)
• Sakhi Niwas (working women hostels)
• Palna (crèche support)
• PMMVY (supports second child if girl)
• SANKALP–HEW: District single-window convergence system
Popular Initiatives Under BBBP
- “Selfie with Daughter” campaign — started by a sarpanch in Bibipur, Haryana; promoted globally by PM Modi in Mann Ki Baat.
- Community awareness programmes on girl-child rights, sports participation, education and leadership.
Significance
- Addresses declining CSR, especially female foeticide.
- Promotes gender equality and challenges patriarchal norms.
- Enhances education outcomes for girls -> long-term empowerment.
- Helps reduce dropout rates & child marriage.
- Contributes to inclusive social development & balanced demographic growth.
3. Women Protection Mechanisms in Telangana
One-Stop Centres (OSCs)
- 36 OSCs operational in Telangana
- 77,858 women assisted since 2015
- Services include:
- Medical support
- Legal assistance
- Psycho-social counselling
- Police facilitation
Women Helpline (181)
- Integrated with ERSS-112
- 76,444 women supported through 24×7 emergency response
- Provides immediate rescue, counselling, and referral services
4. Child Nutrition & Anganwadi Services
Saksham Anganwadi & Poshan 2.0
The Minister highlighted reorganised services under the revamped programme focusing on:
- Nutrition Support (SAM/MAM children, pregnant & lactating women)
- Early Childhood Care & Education (ECCE)
- Infrastructure Upgradation of centres
Infrastructure & Coverage
- Telangana has 35,769 Anganwadi Centres (AWCs)
- Equipped with:
- Infantometers
- Weighing scales
- Height-measuring equipment
- Used for continuous growth monitoring, enabling early identification of malnutrition & developmental delays
Significance for Telangana
- Strengthens gender equity and girl-child empowerment
- Enhances delivery of nutrition services and early childhood education
- Improves access to emergency support and safety mechanisms for women
- Supports district-level planning for vulnerable groups
- Helps Telangana refine CSR, female education, and women’s protection indicators
Care Mcq
Q. Consider the following statements regarding the sub-schemes of Mission Shakti:
- Sambal focuses primarily on women’s safety through mechanisms such as One Stop Centres, Women Helpline (181), and Nari Adalats.
- Samarthya emphasises women’s empowerment by providing facilities like Shakti Sadans, Sakhi Niwas, Palna-Creches, and benefits under PMMVY.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Correct Answer: (c) Both 1 and 2
Explanation:
- Statement 1 – Correct: Sambal = safety + security → OSCs, Helpline 181, Nari Adalat, BBBP (safety component).
- Statement 2 – Correct: Samarthya = empowerment → Shakti Sadan, rehabilitation homes, Sakhi Niwas, Palna-Creches, PMMVY benefits.
