New Delhi: Responding in the Lok Sabha, Minister of State for Women and Child Development Savitri Thakur highlighted the government’s continued focus on empowering girls through a wide range of educational, social and economic initiatives. She underlined that a multi-pronged approach is being followed to ensure girls across the country get equal opportunities, safety, and the support needed to grow with dignity.
The government’s flagship Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) scheme remains at the centre of this effort. It was introduced to address the issue of declining Child Sex Ratio (CSR) while also promoting the overall empowerment of girls and women. Over time, the scheme has gone beyond policy and evolved into a national movement. It focuses on bringing about a shift in mindset by informing, motivating and engaging people at every level—from families and communities to institutions and policymakers.
The scheme has been revamped for the 15th Finance Commission period from 2021–22 to 2025–26 and is now part of the Sambal sub-scheme under Mission Shakti. It has also been expanded to cover all districts in the country, with a stronger focus on ground-level impact through coordinated, multi-sectoral interventions.
According to the government, BBBP has successfully created strong public awareness and recall value. It has brought together stakeholders such as government bodies, media, civil society and citizens to collectively work towards ending gender-based discrimination and improving the status of girls in society. The aim is not just to address immediate concerns like Sex Ratio at Birth but also to bring about a long-term cultural shift where girls are valued and given equal opportunities.
Independent evaluations conducted by NITI Aayog in 2020 and again in 2025 have found the scheme to be relevant, effective and sustainable. These findings have further strengthened the government’s commitment to continue and expand such initiatives.
On the education front, the government is implementing Samagra Shiksha, an integrated scheme that covers schooling from pre-primary to Class XII. It supports the goals of the National Education Policy 2020 and focuses on building strong foundations in literacy and numeracy, while also ensuring inclusive and equitable education for all children, especially girls.
To address gaps in access to education, especially among disadvantaged groups, the Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya (KGBV) scheme provides residential schooling facilities for girls from Class VI to XII. It primarily supports girls from Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes, minority communities and economically weaker sections in the 10–18 age group.
Encouraging girls to step into science and technology fields is another key focus area. The Vigyan Jyoti Programme aims to improve gender balance in STEM careers by supporting meritorious girls from Class IX to XII. It includes mentoring, career guidance, special classes and exposure visits to scientific institutions and industries.
Alongside education, the government is also working towards making girls economically independent. Through the Skill India Mission and Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY), vocational training and skill development opportunities are being provided to women across the country. Dedicated centres such as Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Kendras are helping in this effort.
Several employment and entrepreneurship schemes are also supporting women, including Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana, Stand-Up India, Startup India, Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme, and Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana. Rural and urban livelihood missions such as DAY-NRLM and NULM are empowering women through self-help groups and skill-based employment opportunities.
In addition, women-focused initiatives like Namo Drone Didi, Lakhpati Didi, and programmes such as WISE-KIRAN and SERB-POWER are opening new avenues for women in emerging sectors, including science, research and entrepreneurship.
Overall, the government’s approach reflects a clear effort to support girls at every stage—from education to employment—ensuring they are not only protected but also empowered to contribute meaningfully to society.