The empowerment and education of girls are crucial for the progress of any nation. Recognizing this, the government has introduced various schemes to support the girl child, ensuring they receive the education, healthcare, and financial support needed for a bright future. This article highlights the top 5 government schemes for girl child that have been instrumental in providing comprehensive support and opportunities for girls across the country.
1. Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP)
Beti Bachao Beti Padhao is one of the most significant girl child schemes from the government aimed at addressing the declining child sex ratio and promoting the education of girls. Launched in 2015, this scheme operates on a multi-sectoral approach, targeting districts with a low sex ratio.
Key Features:
- Awareness campaigns to change societal attitudes towards the girl child.
- Improved access to education and healthcare for girls.
- Financial incentives for families to encourage the education of their daughters.
Impact:
- Significant improvement in the enrolment of girls in schools.
- Increased awareness about gender equality.
2. Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY)
Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana is a savings scheme designed specifically for the girl child. It encourages parents to save for their daughters’ future education and marriage expenses.
Key Features:
- High-interest rates on deposits compared to regular savings accounts.
- Tax benefits under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act.
- Flexibility in deposits, ranging from ₹250 to ₹1.5 lakh annually.
Eligibility:
- Parents or legal guardians can open an account in the name of a girl child until she attains the age of 10 years.
- The account can be operated for a maximum period of 21 years from the date of opening or until the girl gets married after reaching the age of 18.
3. Ladli Scheme
The Ladli Scheme is implemented by various state governments, such as Delhi and Haryana, to improve the status of the girl child in society. It provides financial assistance to families to cover the educational and other expenses of theirdaughters.
Key Features:
- Financial incentives at various stages of the girl’s life, starting from birth to her education.
- Funds are provided directly to the bank account of the girl child.
Impact:
- Increased enrolment and retention of girls in schools.
- Reduced financial burden on families, encouraging them to support their daughters’ education.
4. Balika Samridhi Yojana (BSY)
Balika Samridhi Yojana aims to improve the overall status of the girl child by providing financial support to families. This scheme helps in reducing dropout rates and ensuring that girls complete their education.
Key Features:
- Financial assistance at birth and for each class completed from Class 1 to 10.
- Encourages families to educate their daughters and delay their marriages.
Impact:
- Enhanced educational opportunities for girls from economically weaker sections.
- Empowerment of girls through education and financial independence.
5. CBSE Udaan Scheme
The CBSE Udaan Scheme focuses on promoting girls' education in the fields of science and engineering. It aims to address the gender gap in these fields by providing free study materials and online resources.
Key Features:
- Free of cost online resources, tutorials, and study materials for girls in Classes 11 and 12.
- Virtual contact classes and study helpline services.
- Regular assessments and feedback.
Eligibility:
- Girl students studying in Class 11 and 12 with a strong academic record in science subjects.
How to Apply for Girl Child Schemes
To apply for girl child schemes, parents or guardians must follow specific procedures, which usually include:
- Checking Eligibility: Ensure that the girl child meets the eligibility criteria for the scheme.
- Gathering Documents: Required documents typically include birth certificates, proof of residence, and educational certificates.
- Submitting Applications: Applications can be submitted online through the respective government portals or offline at designated centers.
In conclusion, these best 5 government schemes for girl child play a pivotal role in empowering girls by providing them with the necessary resources and support. By leveraging these schemes, families can ensure a better and brighter future for their daughters, contributing to the overall progress of society.