Thursday brought celebrations across India as the ‘Save the Girl Child, Educate the Girl Child’ initiative turned 11. Prime Minister Narendra Modi led the tributes on X, spotlighting how the nation’s girls are shattering records and redefining success in every arena.
Reflecting on the campaign’s start exactly 11 years ago, PM Modi noted the cultural sanctity of daughters in India. His post read: ‘In our country, where daughters are considered as Lakshmi, the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao campaign began 11 years ago today. It’s a huge point of pride that India’s daughters are making new records every day in every field.’
Accompanying the message was a timeless Sanskrit verse emphasizing a daughter’s value surpassing that of ten sons, reinforcing the campaign’s ethos.
Since its rollout on January 22, 2015, this fully funded central scheme has targeted declining child sex ratios, girl child safety, and educational access. Implemented pan-India, it has united stakeholders—from local communities to media—in building supportive ecosystems for girls’ empowerment.
Key metrics underscore the progress: The sex ratio at birth climbed from 918 girls per 1,000 boys in 2014-15 to 929 in 2024-25, according to HIMIS data. Educationally, secondary-level enrolment for girls surged from 75.51% to 78%, per UDISE statistics.
From Olympic podiums to innovation hubs, Indian women are leading the charge. PM Modi’s endorsement signals sustained commitment, urging continued momentum to eliminate gender disparities and unlock the full promise of half the population.