Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao completes 11 years: Perspectives changed, dreams empowered and daughters become self-reliant

(Utkarsh Patel)

The 'Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao' scheme launched by PM Narendra Modi from Panipat on January 22, 2015 is completing 11 years today. The origin of this scheme was in Gujarat itself, where special emphasis was placed on the safety and education of daughters during PM Modi's tenure as the Chief Minister of Gujarat. Today, the daughters of Gujarat are witness to the success of this scheme. The perspective for daughters has changed, the dreams of daughters have been empowered and they are becoming self-reliant.

The impact of this scheme in Gujarat has been amazing. In the last one decade, there has been an improvement in the birth rate of daughters. In big districts like Rajkot, Ahmedabad, Surat, female foeticide has been controlled through awareness campaigns, rallies, films and direct communication with the society. This campaign was carried out by reaching thousands of people in 8 critical districts of the state, which has resulted in a positive change in the mindset of the people.

The daughters of Gujarat have also made amazing progress in the field of education. School enrollment has almost reached full level and the dropout rate has reduced significantly. The female literacy rate has increased and daughters are now moving forward in higher education, professional courses and technical fields. The contribution of Gujarat's daughters in sports, science, entrepreneurship and government jobs is increasing.

This scheme is not only bringing about changes in statistics but also in personal lives. Many daughters of Ahmedabad, Vadodara or Surat have got education with the benefit of this scheme and have stood on their own feet today. Some daughters have started from a small village and today have become successful businessmen, while some are representing at the national level in sports. Many such success stories are alive in every corner of Gujarat.

In these 11 years, the outlook of the society has changed. Daughters are no longer considered a burden but the mother power of the family and the country. Their dreams have grown and they are becoming self-reliant and building a new India. The daughters of Gujarat are the pride of the nation today. If we all take this campaign forward together, the future will be brighter. Empowerment of daughters means true empowerment of the nation.

(The writer is a prominent businessman, social worker and founder of khabarchhe.com)