Maharashtra Women and Child Development Minister Aditi Tatkare has announced an ambitious plan to implement the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao (Save the Daughter, Educate the Daughter) campaign more extensively throughout the state. Aiming to empower girls, enhance their education opportunities, and curb child marriage, this expanded initiative reflects the government’s commitment to gender equality and women’s rights.
Key Highlights Of The Expanded Campaign
Over the past six months, 873 activities were conducted under the campaign engaging 1,46,459 citizens actively
The implementation strategy includes health camps, street plays, and community celebrations promoting the birth and education of the girl child
Districts with lower female birth ratios and higher incidence of child marriage will receive intensified focus and resources
The campaign will harness modern technology and digital platforms to maximize outreach and engagement
Minister Tatkare emphasized recruitment of more case workers and counselors to support affected families and vulnerable girls
Merging 44 existing Family Counseling Centres into holistic One Stop Centres to streamline services for women and children
Timely release of pending payments to counselors and case workers to ensure uninterrupted execution of welfare programs
Campaign In Action: A Comprehensive Review
Minister Tatkare shared these updates during a review meeting at Mantralaya attended by senior officials including the department secretary, joint secretaries, and commissioners. Discussions covered strengthening welfare initiatives, infrastructure development like the Ahilya Bhavan centers in Chembur, and means to improve protection and support for child rights across Maharashtra.
Strategic Focus On Education And Protection
Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’s expanded scope aims not only to improve sex ratios but also to foster a safer and supportive environment that encourages girls to pursue higher education. The campaign’s multi-sectoral interventions include mobilizing government agencies, civil society, educational institutions, and media to change entrenched mindsets and practices that discriminate against girls.
Strengthening The Support Network
To address issues like child marriage and gender-based discrimination, recruitment drives will ensure sufficient trained personnel working at the grassroots level. The One Stop Centres will serve as single-window facilities providing counseling, legal assistance, health services, and education support, creating a robust ecosystem for girl child welfare.
Harnessing Technology And Community Engagement
Utilizing digital tools and social media campaigns will enable the government to reach wider audiences, especially in remote and underprivileged areas. Street plays, health camps, and ceremonies celebrating the birth of girls are designed to change societal attitudes positively and celebrate girl children as valued members of the community.
Minister Tatkare’s Vision For Gender Equality
The Minister emphasized that the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao initiative is a catalyst for comprehensive social change, fostering gender equality from early childhood onwards. She called for collective responsibility involving families, schools, local governments, and NGOs to ensure the campaign’s success.
Looking Ahead: Measuring Progress And Impact
Enhanced monitoring mechanisms and third-party evaluations will be implemented to measure the campaign’s effectiveness and identify areas of improvement. The government aims to make Maharashtra a model state in promoting girl child survival, protection, and education through sustained efforts.
Conclusion
The expanded implementation of the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao campaign in Maharashtra represents a landmark step towards empowering girls and combating gender bias. Minister Aditi Tatkare’s leadership reflects a determined push to create a future where every girl child can thrive with dignity, education, and equal opportunities across the state.
Sources: Free Press Journal, Maharashtra Government Press Releases, Indian Express
