“Uttar Pradesh ramps up its Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao campaign with fresh awareness drives in 2025, targeting gender equality and education for girls. Recent initiatives include rallies, workshops, and digital campaigns to combat gender bias and improve child sex ratios, aligning with India’s vision for women-led development.”
Uttar Pradesh Bolsters Beti Bachao Initiative with Innovative Awareness Campaigns
In 2025, Uttar Pradesh has intensified its efforts under the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao (BBBP) scheme, a flagship program launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2015 to address the declining child sex ratio (CSR) and promote girls’ education and empowerment. The state, historically grappling with gender disparities, has introduced a series of new awareness drives to foster societal change and challenge deep-rooted gender biases.
Recent data from the Ministry of Women and Child Development highlights progress, with the national Sex Ratio at Birth (SRB) improving from 918 in 2015 to 930 in 2024. In Uttar Pradesh, targeted interventions have led to notable improvements in districts like Jhansi and Moradabad, where SRB has risen by 10-15 points since the scheme’s inception. The state government has allocated substantial funds to support these initiatives, with a focus on community engagement and media advocacy.
In early 2025, UP launched district-level rallies and street plays to raise awareness about the importance of the girl child. For instance, a rally in Lucknow in January saw over 2,000 participants, including schoolgirls and local leaders, promoting slogans like “Beti Hai Anmol” (Daughters are Precious). These events aim to destigmatize female births and curb practices like sex-selective abortions, which remain a challenge despite stricter enforcement of the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act.
Digital campaigns have also gained traction. The state’s Women and Child Development Department partnered with local influencers to promote #BetiBachao on social media platforms, reaching over 5 million users in UP alone. Short videos highlighting success stories of girls excelling in education and sports have gone viral, encouraging families to value daughters equally. Additionally, workshops in rural areas, such as those in Varanasi and Gorakhpur, are training community leaders to advocate for girls’ rights and menstrual hygiene awareness.
The integration of BBBP with Mission Shakti, a broader women’s empowerment program, has further amplified its impact. Mission Shakti’s Sambal sub-scheme provides safety measures like One Stop Centres, while Samarthya focuses on skill development for girls. In UP, over 50,000 girls have enrolled in vocational training programs since 2021, with a focus on non-traditional livelihoods like STEM fields, where female participation has risen to 43% in the state’s higher education institutions.
Educational reforms are another cornerstone. The Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) for girls in secondary schools in UP has improved from 70% in 2015 to 76% in 2024, driven by initiatives like free textbooks and sanitary pad vending machines in schools. The state has also opened 3.2 lakh Sukanya Samriddhi Accounts, ensuring financial security for girls’ future education and marriage expenses.
Despite these strides, challenges persist. A 2021 Parliamentary Committee report noted that 78.91% of BBBP funds between 2016 and 2019 were spent on media advocacy, with less focus on health and education interventions. In response, UP has recalibrated its strategy, allocating Rs 50 lakh per district annually, with 10% earmarked for health and education sectors. However, activists argue that more needs to be done to address child marriage and female infanticide in rural pockets.
The state’s efforts have earned recognition. In 2024, UP’s Bijnor district received a national award for effective community engagement under BBBP, following in the footsteps of districts like Jhansi, which was lauded in 2019. These accolades reflect the state’s commitment to sustaining the momentum of the campaign.
Collaborations with NGOs and corporate partners have also bolstered the initiative. For example, a partnership with a leading telecom company in 2025 launched mobile vans equipped with audio-visual aids to spread BBBP messages in remote areas. These vans have reached over 1,000 villages, engaging communities through interactive sessions and storytelling.
As Uttar Pradesh continues to drive the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao campaign, the focus remains on measurable outcomes. The state aims to increase SRB by 2 points annually and reduce gender disparities in under-five mortality rates. With a blend of traditional and modern outreach strategies, UP is working toward a future where girls are celebrated, educated, and empowered to lead.
Disclaimer: This article is based on recent reports, government data, and news from reliable sources like the Ministry of Women and Child Development, PIB, and media outlets. Information is accurate as of September 2025. Readers are advised to verify details through official channels for the latest updates.