Why in news?
On the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti 2025 several newspapers highlighted the strides made in girls’ education under initiatives like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP). Improved sex ratios, increased school enrolment and government scholarships have changed the educational landscape for girls. Yet challenges such as dropout rates, early marriage and safety remain.
Historical context
During the colonial era girls’ education was limited to a small elite. Reformers like Savitribai Phule and Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar opened schools for girls and campaigned against social barriers. After independence Article 45 of the Constitution aimed to provide free and compulsory education for children up to 14 years. The National Policy on Education 1986 and the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (2001) expanded access. Yet gender disparities persisted due to son preference and socio‑economic factors.
Progress under recent schemes
- Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP): Launched in 2015, this scheme addresses declining child sex ratio and promotes girls’ education. It runs awareness campaigns, finances local innovation and strengthens enforcement of laws against sex‑selective practices. Between 2014–15 and 2023–24 India’s sex ratio at birth improved from 918 to around 930 girls per 1,000 boys. Many districts reported higher enrolment of girls in primary schools.
- Integrated into Mission Shakti: In 2022 BBBP became part of Mission Shakti, a comprehensive women’s empowerment programme. Funding supported education, nutrition and vocational training.
- Scholarships and hostels: Schemes like the Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya, National Scheme of Incentive to Girls for Secondary Education and the Swami Vivekananda Scholarship encourage girls to stay in school. Residential hostels provide safe accommodation for students from remote areas.
- Infrastructure improvements: The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act 2009 emphasised gender‑segregated toilets, boundary walls and safe transport, which have increased attendance among adolescent girls.
Remaining challenges
- Dropout and early marriage: Many girls leave school during secondary classes due to household chores, lack of family support or early marriage. Social norms often prioritise domestic work over education.
- Quality of learning: Access has improved but learning outcomes remain low. Girls in rural areas often face shortages of female teachers, digital devices and remedial support.
- Safety and sanitation: Concerns about safety on the way to school, harassment and poor sanitation discourage attendance. Adequate toilets and menstrual hygiene facilities are still lacking in many schools.
- Intersectional barriers: Girls from scheduled castes, tribes and minority communities face multiple disadvantages including poverty, discrimination and geographic isolation.
Way forward
Efforts to transform girls’ education must go beyond enrolment. Governments should strengthen community‑based awareness programmes to challenge gender stereotypes, involve fathers and local leaders, and support girls’ aspirations. Providing bicycles, hostels and safe transport can improve retention. Teacher training should emphasise gender sensitivity and life‑skills education. Vocational courses, digital literacy and scholarships for higher education will help girls transition into careers. Ultimately, empowering girls through education benefits families, communities and the national economy.