Empowering Girls: Odisha’s Initiatives Under BBBP
The “Beti Bachao Beti Padhao” (BBBP) scheme was launched on January 22, 2015, to combat the alarming gender imbalance and declining child sex ratio in India. The initiative aims to empower girls and promote their education while addressing issues like child marriage and female foeticide. In Odisha, the government has implemented several programs under the BBBP scheme to achieve these goals. Notable initiatives include “Nirbhaya Kadhi” (Fearless Bud), “Mo Gelha Jiya” (My Dear Daughter), “Kalpana Avijan,” “Swarna Kalika,” and “Veerangana.” These programs focus on raising awareness, preventing child marriage, and boosting the self-esteem and confidence of adolescent girls through various means, including martial arts training.
Nirbhaya Kadhi and Mo Gelha Jiya in Ganjam District
The “Nirbhaya Kadhi” initiative in Ganjam district aims to create a supportive environment for adolescent girls aged 11 to 18. This program has reached approximately 183,933 girls across 3,309 villages through awareness meetings. The initiative encourages girls to stand against child marriage and promotes their rights.
Another significant program in Ganjam is “Mo Gelha Jiya,” which specifically targets the issues of sex selection and female foeticide. This program has been instrumental in raising awareness and changing societal attitudes towards the value of girls. As a result of these efforts, Ganjam district was declared child marriage-free on January 3, 2022. From 2019 to October 2024, the district successfully prevented nearly 20 out of 953 reported child marriages, thanks to the collaborative efforts of Child Marriage Prohibition Officers, District Child Protection Units, and local police.
Moreover, around 450,000 students from 3,614 government schools publicly declared their commitment to saying “No” to child marriage. The administration has also incentivized reporting of child marriages by offering rewards to informants. The proactive measures taken by the Ganjam district administration have been recognized, with the Odisha State Commission for Protection of Child Rights honoring the district collector for their efforts.
Kalpana Avijan in Dhenkanal District
In Dhenkanal district, the “Kalpana Avijan” scheme focuses on tracking and monitoring adolescent girls aged 10 to 19. This initiative aims to prevent child marriage through community engagement and awareness programs. Since its launch, the scheme has successfully prevented 343 child marriages between 2019 and 2024.
Under this program, approximately 113,515 adolescent girls have been identified and enrolled. The initiative has also mobilized around 445,000 students from 3,425 schools to take a public oath against child marriage. Awareness programs have been conducted in 1,211 villages, and strategic forums have been established to engage youth and traditional leaders in the fight against child marriage.
During the International Girl Child Week in 2024, the Dhenkanal administration recognized individuals who have taken proactive measures against child marriage. Notably, a local girl, Barsha Priyadarshini Sahoo, was honored for her courageous stand against early marriage. The administration also celebrated a mountaineer who resisted child marriage, appointing her as the brand ambassador for the Kalpana Avijan program. These efforts highlight the community’s commitment to safeguarding the rights of girls and ensuring their protection.
Swarna Kalika in Keonjhar District
The “Swarna Kalika” scheme in Keonjhar district aims to raise awareness about the harmful effects of child marriage. This initiative has successfully involved over 2,000 stakeholders in its campaign. The program promotes the ADVIKA app, which serves as a tool for awareness and intervention regarding child marriage.
Through district-level campaigns, the initiative has engaged adolescents and community leaders, strengthening local systems to protect children. As a result, child marriages in Keonjhar have been reduced by 50% by 2024. The success of the Swarna Kalika scheme demonstrates the importance of community mobilization and education in combating child marriage.
Veerangana in Deogarh District
The “Veerangana” scheme in Deogarh district addresses the rising incidents of violence against women and girls. This innovative program focuses on empowering adolescent girls through martial arts and self-defense training. The initiative aims to boost self-esteem and confidence, equipping girls with skills to defend themselves against harassment and violence.
A 30-day training camp on self-defense and martial arts was organized in Deogarh, attracting over 500 adolescents aged 14 to 19. The camp also included awareness and counseling sessions on legal rights and entitlements for girls. Additionally, 300 guardians and teachers participated in orientation sessions to further educate the community.
The Veerangana initiative has received widespread recognition, including the prestigious SKOCH Award as a semi-finalist. The program has institutionalized martial arts training in schools, reaching around 6,000 girl students across rural areas. This initiative not only empowers girls but also fosters a supportive community that values their rights and safety.
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