Marking 11 years of ‘Beti Bachao Beti Padhao’, launched by PM Narendra Modi on January 22, 2015, the campaign has transcended policy to become a mass movement. Its origins in Gujarat’s ‘Gujarat Model’ offer lessons in turning neglect into empowerment through sheer determination.
In 2001, Gujarat faced grim facts under new CM Modi: 57.80% female literacy, 38.92% dropout rate, no toilets for girls in 42,000 schools. Modi countered with ‘Kanya Kelavni’ and ‘Shala Praveshotsav’ – initiatives to awaken society and enroll every girl.
Implementation was epic. Summers saw Modi and 634 senior officials invade 18,000+ villages for three-day marathons. IAS, IPS, IFS officers abandoned desks to plead at doorsteps: ‘Send your daughters to school – for tomorrow’s India.’ Modi’s personal touch – folded hands, heartfelt requests – broke barriers.
Facilities exploded: 42,371 girls-only toilets, 58,463 classrooms, power to 22,758 schools. He auctioned gifts, donated salary, fueling the drive. Admissions morphed into joyous ‘utsavs’ – drumbeats, raths, communal celebrations as girls stepped into education.
Incentives abounded: Aid for 55,181 via Kanya Kelavni, Vidya Lakshmi Bonds to 8th grade, 3,545 tablets for tech aspirants, millions of Saraswati bicycles bridging distances.
Transformation was profound – literacy to 70.73%, dropouts to 7.08%. Gujarat pioneered what became national mantra, showing leadership’s power to shift norms. Today, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao empowers millions, a beacon of inclusive progress.