The Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) scheme is a flagship program launched by the Indian government to address gender disparity and improve the child sex ratio. Odisha has actively implemented several innovative initiatives under this scheme to empower girls, prevent child marriages, and promote gender equality. These efforts emphasize awareness, education, and self-defence training for adolescent girls.
Overview of the BBBP Scheme
Introduced on January 22, 2015, the BBBP scheme focuses on ensuring the survival, protection, and education of girl children. It tackles pressing social issues such as female foeticide and child marriage by fostering community participation and seeking active government involvement. The program’s goal is to create a safer and more equitable environment for girls across India.
Notable Initiatives in Odisha
1. Nirbhaya Kadhi and Mo Gelha Jhia in Ganjam
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In Ganjam district, the “Nirbhaya Kadhi” initiative targets adolescent girls aged 11–18. This program educates and empowers young girls to reject child marriages through awareness campaigns.
Complementing this, the “Mo Gelha Jhia” initiative focuses on curbing sex-selective practices. These efforts collectively led to Ganjam being declared a child marriage-free district in January 2022. This milestone was achieved through consistent community engagement and impactful awareness campaigns.
2. Kalpana Avijan in Dhenkanal
The “Kalpana Avijan” program in Dhenkanal monitors adolescent girls aged 10–19 to prevent child marriages. It operates through the formation of local committees and awareness programs.
Between 2019 and 2024, this initiative successfully stopped 343 child marriages. It also promotes public declarations against such practices by involving schools and local communities, fostering widespread awareness and commitment.
3. Swarna Kalika in Keonjhar
The “Swarna Kalika” initiative, launched in Keonjhar district, focuses on raising awareness about the adverse effects of child marriage. The program involves more than 2,000 stakeholders in campaigns emphasizing the importance of education and community involvement.
The use of the ADVIKA mobile application for timely interventions has played a crucial role in reducing child marriages in the district by 50%. Sustained efforts have made this initiative a model for others to emulate.
4. Veerangana in Deogarh
In Deogarh district, the “Veerangana” program emphasizes self-defence training for adolescent girls. Designed to build confidence and self-esteem, it includes martial arts training as part of its curriculum.
A 30-day training camp under this initiative empowered over 500 adolescent girls and educated parents about the legal rights of girls. Additionally, self-defence programs have been institutionalized in local schools, reaching nearly 6,000 students.
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Impact and Recognition
The collective impact of Odisha’s BBBP initiatives has been transformative. These programs have not only prevented numerous child marriages but have also improved awareness about gender equality and child rights. By empowering adolescent girls through education, self-defence training, and active community participation, Odisha has set an inspiring example for the rest of the country.
These initiatives have received recognition from various national and international organizations, demonstrating the effectiveness of targeted, community-driven approaches in combating social issues. Odisha’s success under the BBBP scheme showcases how local programs can drive meaningful change and create opportunities for the holistic development of girls.
With innovative initiatives like Nirbhaya Kadhi, Kalpana Avijan, Swarna Kalika, and Veerangana, Odisha continues to pave the way for a brighter and more equitable future for girls in India.