Roadmap for Answer Writing

1. Introduction

• Define the Scheme: Briefly explain the ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’ (BBBP) scheme and its objectives.
• Contextual Statement: Mention its launch in 2015 and focus on gender discrimination and women empowerment.

2. Achievements of the Scheme

• Increased Awareness: Highlight the rise in public awareness regarding gender bias.
• Key Statistics:
  • Improvement in the Sex Ratio at Birth (SRB) from 918 to 934.
  • Increase in the Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) for girls from 77.45 to 81.32 between 2014-15 and 2019-20.
• Source: Reference data from government reports and studies.

3. Areas Where the Scheme Has Failed

• Continuing Female Foeticide: Despite awareness, female foeticide remains prevalent.
• SRB Targets: CAG reports indicate that the SRB has worsened in certain districts of Haryana and Punjab, contrary to the scheme’s goals.
• Incomplete School Enrolment Targets: Failure to achieve 100% re-enrolment of girls who dropped out of school.

4. Challenges in Implementation and Monitoring

• Inefficient Fund Allocation:
  • Fact: A 2017 CAG report highlighted issues of under-utilization and non-compliance in Punjab and Haryana.
• Violation of Guidelines: Overspending on media campaigns rather than direct support for districts.
• Socio-Cultural Barriers: Persistent patriarchal norms and son preference continue to hinder progress.
• Lack of Political Will: Infrequent meetings at district and state levels have led to a loss of momentum.
• Structural Constraints: Inadequate staffing and lack of essential facilities, like clean toilets, impact girls’ retention in schools.

5. Recommendations for Improvement

• Gender Sensitization Training: Propose training for personnel involved in the scheme.
• Encouragement for Female Teachers: Suggest incentivizing educated women to take teaching roles.
• Local Engagement: Involve ASHA workers and Anganwadi workers more actively.
• Formation of ‘Balika Manch’: Establish school management committees to support girl students.

6. Conclusion

• Recap Main Points: Summarize the achievements and shortcomings of the BBBP scheme.
• Call to Action: Emphasize the need for diligent implementation to achieve gender equality and the SDGs related to education and gender.

Relevant Facts and Sources

• Launch Year: 2015, aimed at gender discrimination and empowerment.
• Improvement in SRB and GER: SRB improved from 918 to 934; GER increased from 77.45 to 81.32 (source: government reports).
• CAG Report (2017): Highlights inefficient fund allocation and under-utilization in specific states.
• Persistent Female Foeticide: Despite efforts, the practice continues.
• Recommendations for Better Implementation: Focus on training, local engagement, and committee formation.

This roadmap provides a structured approach to answering the question while integrating relevant facts and sources effectively.