The Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) scheme, meaning "Save the girl child, educate the girl child," is a crucial initiative by the Indian government. It was launched to promote gender equality and empower girls, the scheme focuses on education, financial security, and eliminating harmful practices against girls. This article explores the significant impact of the program, what are its objectives and the positive changes it wants to make in the lives of girls all over the country.
What is Beti Bachao Beti Padhao scheme?
In 2015, the Indian government launched the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao scheme to tackle gender discrimination and promote women's empowerment. BBPS aims to raise awareness about gender bias and enhance welfare services for girls. It was launched with initial funding of Rs. 100 crore.
You can also consider opening a fixed deposit (FD) in your daughter's name. FDs provide guaranteed returns and can be tailored to match specific financial goals, ensuring a secure future for her education and beyond.
Objectives of Beti Bachao Beti Padhao scheme
The objectives of the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) scheme are to:
- The scheme targets societal discrimination faced by girls, aiming to change citizens' mindsets.
- It addresses various issues, including reducing the child sex ratio (CSR), enhancing women's empowerment, and eliminating gender-based inequalities while safeguarding girl children.
- Other objectives include promoting the education and societal participation of girl children.
- The yojana plans to address CSR through nationwide campaigns and multi-sectoral government interventions in 100 gender-critical districts.]
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Key features of Beti Bachao Beti Padhao scheme
Key features of the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) scheme include:
- Facilitate discussions on reducing Child Sex Ratio (CSR) to raise awareness.
- Encourage community involvement for the development of girl children.
- Implement mass communication strategies to share information about the BBBP yojana.
- Train local authorities, government employees, and school staff to promote societal change.
- BBBP aims to protect girls, combat inhumane acts like foeticide and female infanticide, and promote women's education.
- Focus on improving child gender ratios in states like Uttarakhand, Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh.
- Objectives include preventing child marriage, ensuring safety from harassment and violence, and promoting gender equality.
- Encourage financial security for girls, supporting their future education and growth.
Eligibility for Beti Bachao Beti Padhao scheme
- The family must have a girl child below the age of 10.
- A Sukanya Samriddhi Account (SSA) must be opened in any Indian bank under the girl child's name in the family.
- The girl child should be a resident Indian.
- NRI are not eligible for this scheme.
How to apply for Beti Bachao Beti Padhao scheme
To apply for the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) scheme, follow these steps:
- Apply for the scheme at a post office or bank, where it's readily available.
- Fill out the BBBP/SSA application form and attach the necessary supporting documents.
- Submit the completed documents to the relevant authority to open an account in your girl's name.
Documents required
Commonly required documents include:
- Birth certificate from a recognised government body or hospital
- Parent's proof of identity, including ration card and aadhar card
- Address proof, such as utility bills (telephone, electricity, or water), driving license or passport
- Passport size photo
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Beti Bachao Beti Padhao scheme benefits
Benefits of the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) scheme include:
- Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY) under BBBP ensures financial security for the girl child.
- Parents can open an account in their daughter's name to save for education or marriage.
- SSY provides a tax-free interest rate of 8.2% per annum (as of January 2024) on deposits.
- The girl child can withdraw the entire amount after reaching the age of 18, providing financial support to the girl.
- SSY helps provide quality education to girls, which can help them in getting better jobs.
- BBBP helps government in addressing the decline in child sex ratio in various parts of the country.
While SSY matures after the girl child reaches the age of 18, FDs offer flexible tenures with competitive interest rates.