Introduction
The Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) scheme, launched on January 22, 2015, by the Government of India, is a flagship initiative aimed at addressing gender imbalance, preventing female foeticide, and promoting the education of girls. Odisha has taken significant steps under this scheme by implementing localized programs that focus on child marriage prevention, gender equality, self-defense training, and community awareness. This blog explores the key initiatives—Nirbhaya Kadhi, Mo Gelha Jhia, Kalpana Avijan, Swarna Kalika, and Veerangana—that have transformed the lives of adolescent girls in Odisha.
Beti Bachao Beti Padhao: An Overview
The BBBP scheme is designed to:
Ensure survival and protection of the girl child.
Promote education by improving literacy rates among girls.
Create a supportive environment through community participation and government intervention.
By addressing female foeticide, child marriage, and gender discrimination, the scheme has helped empower thousands of girls across the country.
Odisha’s Pioneering BBBP Initiatives
Odisha has taken proactive measures to implement the BBBP scheme with district-specific programs that focus on education, awareness, and empowerment.
1. Nirbhaya Kadhi & Mo Gelha Jhia (Ganjam District)
Nirbhaya Kadhi: Targets adolescent girls aged 11-18, raising awareness about child marriage prevention and empowering them to resist societal pressure.
Mo Gelha Jhia: Complements Nirbhaya Kadhi by tackling sex selection and gender discrimination.
Impact: In January 2022, Ganjam was declared child marriage-free, marking a historic milestone in gender equality.
2. Kalpana Avijan (Dhenkanal District)
Objective: Monitors girls aged 10-19 and prevents child marriage through local committees and awareness programs.
Community Engagement: Encourages schools and families to participate in public declarations against child marriage.
Impact: Between 2019 and 2024, the initiative successfully prevented 343 child marriages, showcasing its effectiveness.
3. Swarna Kalika (Keonjhar District)
Focus: Educates communities on the negative impact of child marriage and promotes gender equality.
Stakeholder Participation: Engages over 2,000 stakeholders in awareness campaigns.
Technology Integration: The use of the ADVIKA app has led to a 50% reduction in child marriages in the district.
4. Veerangana (Deogarh District)
Core Goal: Provides self-defense training to girls to enhance their confidence and safety.
Training Impact: A 30-day martial arts program trained over 500 girls, with outreach expanding to 6,000 students in local schools.
Recognition: Widely praised for its role in empowering young girls and ensuring their safety.
The Broader Impact and Recognition
Odisha’s innovative approach to the BBBP scheme has led to:
Increased awareness of child rights and gender equality.
Reduction in child marriages and gender discrimination.
Community-driven change through stakeholder involvement.
National recognition as a model state for implementing BBBP effectively.
Conclusion
Odisha’s commitment to Beti Bachao Beti Padhao is evident through its strategic initiatives—Nirbhaya Kadhi, Mo Gelha Jhia, Kalpana Avijan, Swarna Kalika, and Veerangana. By empowering adolescent girls, preventing child marriage, and fostering education, the state is setting a benchmark for other regions to follow. These programs highlight the power of community engagement, education, and self-defense training in creating a safer and more equitable society for girls.
0 टिप्पणियाँ