To change the social attitude towards girl children in India and promote their upliftment in society, several schemes for the girl child have been launched across the country. Investing in these government schemes involves zero risks, which is why they have gained significant popularity in recent times. These schemes can be broadly divided into two categories: Central Government schemes and State Government schemes. In this article, we will share the top ten best schemes for daughters in detail.
1. West Bengal Kanyashree Prakalpa
The Kanyashree Prakalpa is a state initiative in West Bengal aimed at improving the well-being and status of girls from weaker socio-economic backgrounds. This scheme is implemented by the Department of Women Development and Social Welfare, Government of West Bengal, through a conditional cash transfer program.
Under the Kanyashree Prakalpa, girls aged 13 to 18 years are provided with a scholarship of Rs. 750 annually. Additionally, a one-time grant of Rs. 25,000 is offered to girls aged 18 to 19.
Eligibility Criteria for Kanyashree Prakalpa
A girl is eligible for benefits under the Kanyashree Prakalpa scheme if she meets the following conditions:
- The beneficiary must be a resident of West Bengal and hold a bank account in her name.
- The girl must be enrolled in an educational institution and remain unmarried.
- The maximum annual income of the girl’s family should not exceed Rs. 1.2 lakh.
2. Maazi Kanya Bhagyashree Scheme (Maharashtra Government)
The Maazi Kanya Bhagyashree Scheme is an initiative by the Maharashtra Government aimed at improving the condition of girl children among families living below the poverty line (BPL) and other weaker sections of society.
Benefits:
- First 5 years after birth: Rs. 5000 is provided annually to the mother of the girl child.
- Class 1 to Class 5: Rs. 2500 is given annually to the girl child until she enrolls in class 5.
- Class 6 to Class 12: Financial assistance increases to Rs. 3000 annually until she enrolls in class 12.
- Higher Education: Once the girl turns 18, she is provided Rs. 1 lakh for her higher education.
3. Karnataka Bhagyashree Yojana
The Bhagyashree Yojana is a Karnataka government initiative aimed at encouraging the birth and welfare of girl children in families living below the poverty line (BPL). The scheme provides financial assistance and health benefits to girl children.
Key Benefits:
- Health Insurance: Coverage of up to Rs. 25,000 for the girl child.
- Scholarship: Annual scholarship ranging from Rs. 300 to Rs. 1,000 until the girl reaches class 10.
Eligibility Criteria for Bhagyashree Yojana:
- Birth Date: Girls must be born after 31st March 2006.
- Enrollment Period: Enrollment is permitted within one year of the girl’s birth.
- Family Criteria: Only BPL families are eligible. A maximum of two children per family can be covered under this scheme.
- Additional Financial Benefits: Provided to eligible beneficiaries based on specific conditions.
4. Ladli Laxmi Yojana of Madhya Pradesh
The Ladli Laxmi Yojana is a Madhya Pradesh government scheme launched in 2006 to uplift the status of girl children and women in the state. This scheme aims to combat social evils such as child marriage and female foeticide by providing financial support to girl children.
Key Benefits:
- Initial Investment: Upon approval of the beneficiary, National Savings Certificates (NSC) worth Rs. 6,000 will be purchased annually for the first five years in the girl’s name.
- Subsequent Financial Support:
- Rs. 2,000 will be invested when the girl is admitted to Class 6.
- Rs. 4,000 will be invested when the girl is admitted to Class 9.
5. Ladli Yojana of Haryana
The Ladli Yojana, launched on 20 August 2015 by the Haryana government, aims to improve the status of girl children in society and combat issues like female foeticide.
Key Features:
- Eligibility: Families with a second girl child born after 20 August 2015.
- Benefits: Rs. 5,000 is invested in a Kisan Vikas Patra in the name of the girl and her father or grandfather.
- Payout: The amount, along with interest, is given to the family when the girl turns 18.
The Dhanlaxmi Yojana was launched by the Central Government in March 2008 as a pilot project to provide financial assistance to girl children from low-income families. Beneficiaries received Rs. 5,000 monthly under this scheme.
Financial Assistance under Dhanlaxmi Yojana
The scheme offered financial benefits for girl children from birth until the completion of secondary education (up to class 8). However, due to the introduction of more attractive government schemes in recent years, the Dhanlaxmi Yojana has been almost phased out.
The National Scheme of Incentives for Girls for Secondary Education is a nationwide initiative implemented by the Department of School Education and Literacy under the Ministry of Human Resource Development, Government of India. This scheme primarily aims to support and uplift girls from socially and economically backward classes across the country.
8. CBSE Udaan Scheme
The CBSE Udaan Scheme for Girls is an initiative by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), under the Ministry of Human Resource Development, Government of India. This scheme aims to boost the enrollment of girls in prestigious engineering and technical colleges across India. The scheme focuses on enhancing the learning experience of female students, particularly those from economically weaker sections of society.
Key Features of the CBSE Udaan Scheme:
- Free access to study materials, including online videos, for classes 11th and 12th.
- Weekend online classes for participating students.
- Learning and mentorship opportunities for meritorious students.
- Dedicated helpline services for resolving student complaints.
- Regular monitoring and tracking of academic progress.
9. Balika Samridhi Yojana
The Balika Samridhi Yojana is a scholarship scheme designed to provide financial assistance to young girls and their mothers living below the poverty line. The scheme aims to improve the social status of girls, delay the age of marriage, and boost school enrollment rates.
Features and Benefits of Balika Samridhi Yojana:
- Available for beneficiaries in both urban and rural areas.
- A financial assistance of ₹500 is given to the mother after the birth of a girl child.
- Girls receive an annual scholarship ranging from ₹300 to ₹1,000 while attending school.
- The balance of the scholarship amount can be withdrawn when the girl child turns 18 years old.
10. Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana
The Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana is a government-backed savings scheme designed specifically for girl children. Under this scheme, the girl child is the primary account holder, while her parents or legal guardians act as joint holders. The account can be opened before the girl child turns 10 years old, with contributions required for 15 years from the date of opening.
Key Features and Benefits of Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana:
- Flexible Deposit Options: Initial deposits range from ₹1,000 to ₹1.5 lakh annually.
- Attractive Returns: Fixed interest rate of 7.6% (as of the first quarter of the financial year 2022–23).
- Tax Benefits: Enjoy deductions under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act, 1961.
- Tax-Free Earnings: The principal investment, interest earned, and maturity amount are fully exempt from taxes.
- Partial Withdrawals: Funds can be withdrawn for the higher education of the girl child.
- Accessibility: The scheme is available nationwide at PSU banks, India Post Offices, and select private banks.
- Long-Term Investment: Contributions are required for 15 years, with the account maturing after 21 years from opening.
11. Beti Bachao Beti Padhao
Beti Bachao Beti Padhao is a central government scheme aimed at the welfare of girl children across the country. The primary objective of this initiative is to save girls from social evils like gender-biased abortion and to promote education for girls nationwide.
Initially implemented in districts with low sex ratios (fewer female children than male), the scheme has since been expanded to other regions of the country. It focuses primarily on education and social awareness, without involving direct cash transfers.
Key Objectives of Beti Bachao Beti Padhao:
- Preventing gender-biased selective abortion
- Ensuring the survival and protection of girl children during childhood
- Promoting higher education for girl children