To change the social attitude towards a girl child, the Government of India has introduced a number of girl child-welfare schemes and policies. The programs are intended to improve the lives of girl children in the country by empowering, educating and uplifting them. Many of the schemes are focused at encouraging their education and enabling them to participate in the nation’s growth. Here is a look at some of the best schemes launched by the Indian government for the girl child.
The BetiBachaoBetiPadhao Scheme was launched on 22 January 2015 with the objective of increasing child sex ratio by ensuring survival, protection and empowerment of the girl child. It is a joint initiative of Ministry of Women and Child Development, Ministry of Human Resource Development and Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
The primary goals of this scheme are to:
Source: Website of Ministry of Women and Child Development
SSY is a government-backed saving scheme targeted at the parents of girl children. It is focused on securing the future of a girl child by facilitating the parents in building a fund toward the education and marriage of their daughter. An SSY account can be opened in post offices and designated banks (in the form of a savings account) in the name of the baby girl. Its interest rate is declared on a quarterly basis, similar to that of post office schemes.
The BalikaSamridhi Yojana scheme was launched by the government in 1997, with the intent to improve enrolment and retention of girl children in schools and assist them in undertaking income generating activities.
A girl child eligible under BalikaSamridhi Yojana scheme is entitled to the below benefits:
| Class | Amount of Annual Scholarship |
|---|---|
| I-III | Rs. 300 p.a. for each class |
| IV | Rs. 500 p.a. |
| V | Rs. 600 p.a. |
| VI-VII | Rs. 700 p.a. for each class |
| VIII | Rs. 800 p.a. |
| IX-X | Rs. 1000 p.a. for each class |
Source: Website of Women and Child Development Department Haryana Government
Udaan is an initiative by CBSE to empower girl students. It addresses the low enrolment of female students in prime engineering institutions as well as the teaching gap between school education and engineering entrance examination. Students are given free online/offline resources via virtual weekend contact classes under this program. Additionally, they are provided study material while studying in Class XI and Class XII for preparation of admission test to the country’s top engineering colleges. Udaan aims to provide a platform that empowers the girl students, facilitate their aspiration of joining the reputable engineering institutions and take an active role in the progress of the country.
Source: CBSE Academic
The National Scheme of Incentives to Girls for Secondary Education was launched by the government in May 2008. It aims to promote enrolment of girl child in the 14 to 18 age group at secondary stage, particularly those who have passed Class VIII, and to encourage the secondary education of such girls. An amount of Rs. 3,000 is deposited as fixed deposit in the name of eligible girls. They are entitled to withdraw the money along with interest earned on attaining 18 years of age and on passing 10th class examination.
What are the state government sponsored schemes for girl children?
Some of the state government sponsored schemes for girl children are:
What is the eligibility criteria for National Scheme of Incentives to Girls for Secondary Education?
The eligibility criteria of National Scheme of Incentives to Girls for Secondary Education are as under:
Who can join the Udaan scheme?
The conditions associated with joining the Udaan scheme are:
