Parliament Question: Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao Scheme in Punjab

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2231 ANSWERED ON 31.07.2026 BETI BACHAO, BETI PADHAO SCHEME IN PUNJAB 2231. SHRI SUKHJINDER SINGH RANDHAWA: Will the MINISTER OF WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state: (a) the details of the concrete steps taken under the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao scheme in Punjab to strengthen the lifecycle of the girl child, from birth through education, skill development and economic empowerment; and (b) whether female foeticide, declining child sex ratio and disparity in girls' education continue to be matters of serious concern in certain districts of said State, if so, the details of the specific interventions undertaken therein district-wise? ANSWER MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT (SHRIMATI SAVITRI THAKUR) (a) and (b) Beti Bachao Beti Padhao helps to address Child Sex Ratio (CSR) and related issues of empowerment of girls and women. The scheme, launched on 22nd January 2015, as a collaborative effort between the Ministries of Women & Child Development, Education, and Health and Family Welfare, aims to prevent gender-biased sex selection, ensure the survival and protection of girl children, and promote their education. The scheme tries to create mindset and behavioural changes towards the girl child by informing, influencing, motivating, engaging, and empowering various stakeholders. In the 15th Finance Commission Period, BBBP as a component under the SAMBAL vertical of Mission Shakti, has been expanded to cover all the districts of the country through multi-sectoral interventions encouraging greater spend on activities that have impact on ground. BBBP has got transformed from a policy initiative into a national movement by mobilizing various stakeholders, including government agencies, media, civil society, and the public at large. BBBP primarily focuses on creating behavioural and social change in the way the girl child is perceived across the country.Beti Bachao Beti Padhao is Centrally Sponsored Scheme and the Central Government provides 100% financial assistance to States and UTs. The overall implementation of scheme lies with the State Governments and UT Administrations. As per the latest report of Health Management Information System (HMIS) of Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW), Sex Ratio at Birth (SRB) at the national level has increased from 918 in 2014-15 to 929 in 2025-26 (provisional). Further, in the State of Punjab, the Sex Ratio at Birth (SRB) is showing improving trends and has increased from 892 to 922 during 2014-15 to 2025-26 (provisional). As per UDISE data of Ministry of Education, Gross enrolment ratio of girls in the schools at secondary level has increased from 75.51% in 2014-15 to 83.4% in 2025-26 at national level. Further, in the State of Punjab, Gross enrolment ratio of girls in the schools at secondary level has increased from 83.21% in 2014-15 to 96.5% in 2025-26. Under the BBBP scheme, for effective implementation at ground level, Ministry has developed an operational manual which inter-alia includes a thematic calendar for suggested convergence activities including activities for raising awareness at district level with month wise specific themes for holistic development of the Girl Child and to ensure year-round engagement of girls, their families and communities and training in this regard is regularly conducted at district, state and national level. In the State of Punjab, awareness activities are being carried out at village, block and district level to sensitize the people against the declined Girl child Sex Ratio. Also, awareness activities are being conducted as per BBBP calendar issued by Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India. In addition, to keep in mind the economic empowerment of women, special job camps for women are being held every year under BBBP in all 23 districts of Punjab, where, selection are done and appointment letters are issued to the eligible women candidates on the spot by various companies. Further, free anaemia check-up camps for girl students are also organized in schools for early detection of anaemia and to spread awareness among girl students related to health-related issues. Under the skill development initiatives, free driving, cooking, computer and stitching classes are provided to the needy girls in State of Punjab under the BBBP scheme to make them self-reliant and independent. Moreover, awareness activities are also carried out with the convergence of Department of Education, Health and Sports at district and block level in Punjab. Additionally, every year the festival of Lohri is celebrated at State and district level on the birth of girls in Punjab. *****