[Top 10] Government Schemes for Girl Children in India In 2023

Government Scheme 2023 for Girls: Focusing on the Holistic Development of the Girl Child

Over the past 4-5 years, a significant emphasis has been placed on enhancing the educational, safety, and health aspects of the girl child in our country. Acknowledging the essential trio of education, safety, and health, the government has been actively implementing schemes designed to uplift and empower girls. These initiatives reflect the nation’s commitment to nurturing a thriving and secure environment for its female population.

The Government of India continually introduces and executes schemes dedicated to the welfare of girls. Despite the passage of many years since independence, challenges like female feticide and gender discrimination persist, particularly in rural regions. The northern state of Haryana exemplifies this issue, with its alarmingly low sex ratio of 879 females for every 1000 males. Various other states also contend with imbalanced gender ratios, highlighting the urgency of concerted efforts.

The comprehensive development of our nation hinges on the advancement of its girls in all domains. Governments at both the central and state levels have been proactive in rolling out schemes to address the needs of the girl child. Since independence, these schemes have aimed to uplift and empower girls, promoting their holistic growth. In this article, we will provide a detailed overview of the Government Schemes for Girls in 2023, introduced by the Central Government of India. Let’s delve into the benefits, objectives, and operational aspects of these initiatives.

The primary objective of these schemes is to bridge gender gaps, enabling girls to excel in every sphere. These initiatives encompass various aspects, such as education, health, skill development, and social empowerment. By empowering girls, we are not just fostering their individual growth, but also catalyzing the overall progress of our society and nation. The schemes are crafted to address the multifaceted challenges faced by girls, promoting gender equality and inclusivity.

These government initiatives resonate with the collective commitment to creating an environment where girls can thrive and achieve their potential. Through these schemes, we aspire to foster a generation of empowered girls who will shape the future of our country.

The Objectives of Government Schemes for Girls in 2023

The Government of India is committed to ensuring the holistic development of the girl child. The Government Schemes for Girls in 2023 have been meticulously designed to achieve the following objectives:

1. Education of Girls: These schemes aim to promote and facilitate quality education for girls. By providing access to education and skill development, the government strives to empower girls with knowledge and competence to shape their future.
2. Health Services for Girls/Women: Ensuring the well-being and health of girls and women is a crucial aspect of these schemes. They focus on providing accessible and quality healthcare services, covering areas such as nutrition, reproductive health, and general healthcare.
3. Elimination of Female Feticide and Gender Discrimination: Addressing societal issues like female feticide and gender discrimination is a key goal. Through awareness campaigns and strategic interventions, the government is dedicated to eradicating these harmful practices and ensuring gender equality.
4. Financial Assistance: The schemes offer financial assistance to girls and their families to alleviate economic challenges. This support is aimed at enabling families to invest in girls’ education, health, and overall well-being.
5. Scholarships: Scholarships are a vital component of these initiatives. By providing scholarships to deserving girls, the government encourages and incentivizes them to pursue higher education and excel academically.
6. Support for Marriage of Daughters: Recognizing the financial burden often associated with marriages, especially in certain sections of society, the schemes provide support for the marriage of daughters. This assistance eases the economic strain on families and promotes the well-being of the girl child.

Top 10 Government Schemes for Girls In India

The Government of India has initiated a range of government schemes aimed at the growth and advancement of girls across all states of the nation. Presented below is the roster of Government Schemes for Girls 2023, implemented by the Government of India:

1. Save Daughter, Teach Daughter
2. Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana
3. Girl Child Prosperity Scheme
4. CBSE Udaan Scheme
5. Chief Minister Rajshree Scheme
6. Chief Minister Ladli Yojana
7. National Scheme of Promotion of Girls for Secondary Education
8. Mukhyamantri Kanya Suraksha Yojana
9. Maji Kanya Bhagyashree Scheme
10. Nanda Devi Kanya Yojana

1.Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Scheme

“Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao” (Save the Daughter, Educate the Daughter) is a flagship initiative launched by the Government of India in January 2015. The scheme aims to address the declining child sex ratio and promote the education and empowerment of girls in the country. It emphasizes the importance of gender equality, ensuring the survival, protection, and education of the girl child.

Key Objectives:

1. Improve Child Sex Ratio: One of the primary goals of the scheme is to address the skewed sex ratio in many parts of India, where the number of girls per 1000 boys is significantly lower. It aims to curb the practice of female feticide and encourage the birth and survival of girl children.
2. Promote Girl Child Education: The scheme seeks to promote the importance of education for girls. It focuses on ensuring that girls have access to quality education and equal opportunities for learning.
3. Enhance Gender Equality: “Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao” aims to eliminate gender-based discrimination and stereotypes. It encourages communities to value girls and treat them with the same dignity and respect as boys.
4. Empowerment of Women: By promoting education and equal opportunities for girls, the scheme aims to empower women and enhance their participation in various spheres of life, including social, economic, and political aspects.
5. Multi-Sectoral Approach: The scheme adopts a multi-sectoral approach, involving various government departments and agencies to address issues related to health, education, nutrition, and legal protection for women and girls.

Implementation:

The implementation of the “Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao” scheme involves various activities at the grassroots level, including awareness campaigns, community engagement, school enrollment drives, and efforts to improve the overall status of women and girls. It also encourages the active involvement of local communities, NGOs, and civil society organizations.

The scheme operates through a coordinated effort among various ministries, including the Ministry of Women and Child Development, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, and Ministry of Human Resource Development.

2. Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY)

Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY) is a government-backed savings scheme launched by the Government of India as part of its “Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao” initiative. The scheme aims to promote the welfare of the girl child by encouraging parents and guardians to save for their education, marriage, and overall future expenses. SSY offers attractive interest rates and tax benefits, making it a popular choice among parents and guardians.

Key Features of Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana:

1. Targeted Beneficiaries: The scheme is designed specifically for the welfare of the girl child. It can be opened by parents or guardians for their daughters below the age of 10 years.
2. Account Opening: Parents or guardians can open an SSY account at designated bank branches or post offices across India. Only one account is allowed per girl child.
3. Minimum and Maximum Contribution: The minimum initial deposit required to open an SSY account is relatively low. Subsequent deposits can be made in multiples of this initial deposit. The maximum annual contribution is subject to a limit set by the government.
4. Interest Rate: The interest rate for SSY is set by the government and is usually higher than many other savings schemes. It is compounded annually and varies from year to year.
5. Tenure: The scheme matures after 21 years from the date of opening the account or when the girl child gets married, whichever is earlier. However, partial withdrawals can be made after the girl child attains the age of 18 for specific purposes, such as higher education.
6. Tax Benefits: Contributions made to the SSY account are eligible for tax deductions under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act. Additionally, interest earned and the maturity amount are tax-exempt.
7. Account Operation: The account can be operated by the parents or guardians until the girl child reaches the age of 10. After that, the girl child can operate the account herself.
8. Flexible Contribution: The scheme allows flexibility in making contributions. While regular contributions are encouraged, there’s no penalty for missing deposits.
9. Purpose: The funds saved under the SSY can be used for the girl child’s education, marriage, or any other expenses that contribute to her well-being.

Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana aims to provide financial security and support to the girl child, empowering her to pursue education and other life goals. It encourages parents and guardians to invest early and consistently for their daughter’s future, promoting the larger goal of gender equality and women’s empowerment.

3. Balika Samriddhi Yojana

“Balika Samriddhi Yojana” was a social welfare scheme initiated by the Government of India in 1997 to promote the well-being and development of the girl child in economically disadvantaged families. The scheme aimed to address issues related to gender inequality, female empowerment, and the overall socio-economic upliftment of girls in rural and urban areas.

Key Objectives of Balika Samriddhi Yojana:

1. Promotion of Girl Child Welfare: The primary objective of the scheme was to improve the status of the girl child in society and provide her with opportunities for growth, education, and development.
2. Financial Assistance: The scheme provided financial assistance in the form of cash incentives to families to encourage them to promote the birth and upbringing of the girl child.
3. Health and Nutrition: Balika Samriddhi Yojana emphasized the importance of proper health and nutrition for girls. It aimed to reduce malnutrition and improve the health status of girl children.
4. Education: The scheme aimed to increase school enrollment and retention rates among girls, especially in rural and marginalized communities. It encouraged families to invest in the education of their daughters.
5. Empowerment: By providing financial incentives and support, the scheme aimed to empower girls and their families to break the cycle of poverty and take steps towards a brighter future.

Implementation:

Under the Balika Samriddhi Yojana, cash incentives were provided to families for the birth of a girl child, her enrollment in school, and her completion of specific milestones in education. The scheme was typically implemented through the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) program and local government bodies.

While the scheme had positive intentions and contributed to raising awareness about the importance of girl child welfare, it faced challenges related to effective implementation, reaching the most vulnerable communities, and sustaining its impact over time.

In subsequent years, the government introduced other schemes and initiatives, such as the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana and the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao campaign, to further address the issues faced by girl children in India and promote their holistic development.

It’s important to note that my knowledge is based on information available up to September 2021, and there may have been developments or changes in the status of specific schemes since then.

4. CBSE Udaan Scheme

The “CBSE Udaan Scheme” is an initiative launched by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) in collaboration with the Ministry of Human Resource Development (now known as the Ministry of Education) and various educational institutions and organizations. The scheme is designed to provide free coaching and guidance to talented and meritorious girl students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds to help them prepare for admission to premier engineering institutions in India.

Key Objectives of CBSE Udaan Scheme:

1. Empowerment of Girls: The primary objective of the Udaan Scheme is to empower and encourage talented girl students to pursue higher education and careers in the field of engineering. It aims to bridge the gender gap in technical education.
2. Quality Coaching: The scheme offers free coaching, study materials, and online resources to selected students to help them prepare for engineering entrance exams like the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main and Advanced.
3. Financial Support: Udaan provides financial support to economically disadvantaged students, including free study materials, tutorials, and mock tests.
4. Mentorship and Counseling: The scheme offers mentorship and counseling to students, guiding them through the preparation process and helping them make informed decisions about their career paths.
5. Access to Resources: Udaan provides access to online resources, video lectures, practice questions, and study materials through its dedicated platform to ensure that students have the necessary tools to succeed in their exams.

Implementation:

The Udaan Scheme selects talented girl students studying in Class XI from various states and Union Territories in India. These students are provided with a support system that includes coaching classes, mentoring, study materials, and online resources. The scheme typically runs for two years, covering the students’ preparation for Class XII board exams and engineering entrance exams.

The coaching and mentoring under the Udaan Scheme are facilitated by reputed coaching institutes, technical institutions, and online platforms, ensuring that students receive high-quality guidance and support.

Udaan aims to break down barriers that might hinder talented girl students from pursuing technical education and careers in engineering. By providing equal opportunities and access to resources, the scheme plays a significant role in fostering gender diversity in the field of engineering and technology. Please note that the details provided are based on information available up to September 2021, and there may have been developments or changes in the scheme since then.

5. Chief Minister Rajshree Scheme (Mukhyamantri Rajshri scheme)

The Mukhyamantri Rajshri Yojana is a significant government scheme for girls introduced by the Rajasthan state government. Initiated during the fiscal year 2016-17, the scheme is designed to support the comprehensive development of girls. It aims to provide financial assistance amounting to Rs 50,000 to aid in their growth and progress. This scheme specifically targets girl children born after June 1, 2016, within families residing in the state of Rajasthan. The financial assistance is disbursed in a structured manner, divided into multiple installments.

Benefits and Objectives of Mukhyamantri Rajshri Yojana:

1. Comprehensive Support: Mukhyamantri Rajshri Yojana aims to extend consistent and comprehensive support to girl children throughout various stages of their lives, starting from birth and continuing up to their higher education.
2. Birth Assistance: Upon the birth of a girl child, the scheme provides a financial assistance of Rs 2,500 to the mother of the child, recognizing the significance of her role in the upbringing of the child.
3. First Year Assistance: When the girl child turns one year old, an additional sum of Rs 2,500 is granted, further facilitating her early upbringing and care.
4. School Admission Assistance: The scheme offers financial support of Rs 4,000 when the girl child is enrolled in the first year of school (Class 1). This assistance encourages the enrollment of girls in educational institutions right from the beginning.
5. Progressive Support: As the girl child progresses in her educational journey, the scheme continues to offer financial aid. An amount of Rs 5,000 is provided upon admission to the 5th class and Rs 11,000 on admission to the 11th class.

Objective of the Scheme:

The central objective of the Mukhyamantri Rajshri Yojana is two-fold:

1. Enhancing School Enrollment: By providing financial incentives at various educational milestones, the scheme seeks to increase the enrollment of girls in schools. It aims to overcome barriers to education and promote girls’ attendance in educational institutions.
2. Promoting Higher Education: The scheme also aims to encourage girls to pursue higher education by offering substantial financial assistance at critical junctures in their academic journey. This helps in mitigating financial constraints that may otherwise hinder their educational pursuits.

The Mukhyamantri Rajshri Yojana exemplifies the Rajasthan state government’s commitment to fostering the education and well-being of girl children. By offering financial aid at key developmental stages, the scheme not only supports families but also empowers girls to realize their educational aspirations and contribute positively to society.

6. Chief Minister Ladli Laxmi Yojana (Mukhaymantri Ladli Laxmi scheme)

The Chief Minister Ladli Laxmi Yojana, commonly referred to as the Mukhyamantri Ladli Laxmi Scheme, is a prominent state government initiative aimed at promoting the welfare of girls. This scheme holds significance as part of the government scheme landscape for girls in 2023, especially within the state of Madhya Pradesh. Launched in 2007, this savings scheme is specifically designed to provide financial security and empowerment to girls residing in Madhya Pradesh.

Key Features and Objectives of Mukhyamantri Ladli Laxmi Yojana:

1. Combat Gender Bias: One of the primary objectives of the scheme is to address and eliminate the prevailing negative societal attitudes and biases against the birth of girl children. By encouraging families to save for their daughters’ futures, the scheme aims to shift the mindset surrounding girl child birth.
2. Improving Sex Ratio: Another critical objective is to improve the sex ratio in the state. By incentivizing families to save for their girl children’s education and future, the scheme contributes to changing the perception of girls as a financial burden.
3. Structured Savings: Families of girl children are required to deposit Rs 6,000 annually for a fixed duration of 5 years into the Chief Minister Ladli Laxmi Yojana Fund. This savings structure ensures that adequate financial resources are available for the girls’ educational and personal development.
4. Periodic Benefits: The scheme offers periodic financial benefits to the girl child at specific milestones in her educational journey. For instance, upon admission to Class 6, the girl child receives an amount of Rs 2,000. Further, Rs 4,000 is provided upon admission to Class 9, and Rs 6,000 each on admission to Classes 11 and 12.
5. Long-Term Security: One of the distinctive features of the scheme is that when the girl child turns 21, she becomes eligible to withdraw the accumulated savings. Additionally, on the completion of 21 years of age and appearing for the Class 12 examination, a lump sum amount of Rs 1 lakh is provided. It’s important to note that the daughter should not be married before the age of 18 to avail of this benefit.

7. National Scheme of Promotion of Girls for Secondary Education

The National Scheme of Promotion of Girls for Secondary Education is a significant initiative launched by the Central Government of India to promote and support the education of girls, particularly those belonging to the SC (Scheduled Caste) and ST (Scheduled Tribe) categories. This scheme, which was introduced in 2008, is aimed at encouraging girls to pursue their secondary education and higher studies, thereby fostering their overall development and empowerment.

Key Features and Objectives of the National Scheme of Incentives to Girls for Secondary Education:

1. Promoting Secondary Education: The primary objective of this scheme is to encourage girls from SC and ST communities to continue their education beyond the 8th standard. By providing financial incentives, the scheme aims to promote enrollment and retention of girls in secondary education.
2. Financial Benefits: Under the scheme, eligible girls who have passed the 8th grade are provided with a financial incentive. This incentive is designed to support their education-related expenses and motivate them to pursue higher studies.
3. Monetary Assistance: The scheme provides a monetary benefit of Rs 3,000 to eligible girls who successfully pass the 10th grade examination. This financial assistance is given to the girls after they turn 18 years old, and it includes an interest component to enhance the value of the incentive.
4. Empowerment through Education: By offering financial support to girls from marginalized communities, the scheme aims to empower them with the necessary resources to pursue their education further. Education plays a pivotal role in enhancing their social and economic status and breaking the cycle of intergenerational poverty.
5. Addressing Disparities: The scheme targets girls from SC and ST backgrounds, who often face multiple challenges in accessing quality education. By addressing these disparities through financial incentives, the scheme contributes to a more equitable education system.
6. Investment in Human Capital: The scheme recognizes the importance of investing in the education of girls as a means of nurturing human capital. Educated girls are more likely to make informed decisions, contribute to their families’ and communities’ well-being, and participate in the nation’s development.

8. Mukhyamantri Kanya Suraksha Yojana

The Mukhyamantri Kanya Suraksha Yojana is an important initiative launched by the Bihar state government to support and protect the girl child. This scheme aims to provide financial assistance to families in Bihar who have welcomed a new girl child into their family. By offering a financial incentive at the time of birth, the scheme intends to promote the well-being and empowerment of the girl child and to discourage practices like female feticide.

Key Features, Benefits, Objectives, and Eligibility of Mukhyamantri Kanya Suraksha Yojana:

1. Financial Assistance: Under this scheme, an amount of Rs 2000 is provided to the parents of the girl child born in Bihar. This financial assistance is given at the time of birth to support the family in meeting the initial expenses associated with the arrival of a new child.
2. Targeted Beneficiaries: The scheme targets families residing in Bihar who belong to economically weaker sections of society. Families facing financial constraints are encouraged to take advantage of this scheme and provide a more secure future for their girl child.
3. Application Process: Families interested in availing the benefits of the Mukhyamantri Kanya Suraksha Yojana can submit their application form at the designated Anganwadi centers. These centers play a pivotal role in implementing the scheme and ensuring that eligible families receive the financial assistance.
4. Curbing Female Feticide: One of the primary objectives of the scheme is to address and discourage inhuman practices like female feticide. By providing a financial incentive for the birth of a girl child, the scheme sends a message of value and importance attached to every girl’s life.
5. Empowering Families: The scheme aims to encourage families to celebrate the birth of a girl child and to provide them with equal opportunities and rights. It promotes the idea that girls are assets to society and deserve a safe and nurturing environment.
6. Supporting Education and Future: By offering financial assistance at the time of birth, the scheme supports families in managing the initial costs associated with child-rearing. This can contribute to ensuring that the girl child receives proper education and care, leading to a brighter future.

9. Maji Kanya Bhagyashree Yojana

The Majhi Kanya Bhagyashree Yojana is an impactful initiative launched by the Maharashtra State Government to support the girl child and promote their education and overall well-being. The scheme provides financial assistance to mothers of newborn girl children, aimed at alleviating financial burdens and ensuring a brighter future for the girl child. By offering financial aid at various stages of the girl’s life, the scheme encourages families to prioritize the education and development of their daughters.

Key Features, Benefits, and Objectives of Majhi Kanya Bhagyashree Yojana:

1. Financial Assistance: The scheme provides significant financial assistance to families in Maharashtra on the birth of a girl child. This financial support aims to ease the financial burden associated with raising a child and provide a platform for her education and development.
2. Support for Education: One of the primary objectives of the scheme is to ensure that girls have access to education and can pursue their studies without any hindrances. By providing financial assistance at different stages of education, the scheme incentivizes families to invest in the girl child’s education.
3. Continuous Financial Aid: The financial assistance is provided in a structured manner to ensure continuous support. The mother of the girl child receives Rs 5,000 annually for the first five years after the birth of the daughter. Additionally, Rs 2,500 is given to the family every year until the girl child reaches class 5.
4. Higher Education Support: As the girl child progresses in her education, the scheme continues to provide financial support. A sum of Rs 3,000 per year is transferred to the girl child’s account until she completes class 12th, ensuring that her education journey is well-funded.
5. Empowering Girls: The scheme recognizes the importance of higher education in empowering girls to achieve their dreams and contribute positively to society. Therefore, after the girl child turns 18, she is given Rs 1 lakh annually to support her higher education pursuits.
6. Alleviating Financial Stress: By offering substantial financial aid, the Majhi Kanya Bhagyashree Yojana aims to alleviate financial stress on families, especially those from economically weaker sections. It ensures that financial constraints do not hinder a girl’s education and development.

10. Maji Kanya Bhagyashree Yojana

The Majhi Kanya Bhagyashree Yojana, initiated by the Maharashtra State Government, is a significant step towards promoting the welfare of girl children and providing them with equal opportunities for education and development. This innovative scheme addresses the financial challenges that often hinder families from investing in their daughters’ education. By offering financial assistance at various stages of a girl’s life, the scheme empowers families to prioritize education and ensures a brighter future for the girl child.

Key Features, Benefits, and Objectives of Majhi Kanya Bhagyashree Yojana:

1. Financial Support for Newborn Girls: The scheme extends a helping hand to economically disadvantaged mothers in Maharashtra who give birth to daughters. Such mothers are provided with financial assistance of Rs 5,000 annually for the first five years after the birth of their daughters. This aid aims to alleviate the immediate financial burden associated with the birth and upbringing of a girl child.
2. Continuous Support for Education: The Majhi Kanya Bhagyashree Yojana is focused on enabling girls to receive an education without financial constraints. It provides sustained financial support to encourage the education of the girl child.
3. Support Till Class 5: Families receive financial assistance of Rs 2,500 annually until the girl child reaches class 5. This assistance aims to cover educational expenses and ensure that girls continue their schooling without interruption.
4. Financial Aid Till Class 12: As the girl progresses in her education journey and reaches class 6 to 12, an amount of Rs 3,000 is transferred annually to her account. This support ensures that girls have access to quality education and can pursue higher studies.
5. Higher Education Empowerment: The scheme acknowledges the importance of higher education in shaping a girl’s future. After the girl child completes 18 years, she is provided with Rs 1 lakh annually, fostering her pursuit of higher education and professional aspirations.
6. Empowering Families and Girls: By providing consistent financial assistance, the scheme empowers families to make informed choices about investing in their daughters’ education. This empowers girls with the tools they need to break barriers and achieve their goals.

CONCLUSION

Government schemes for girls offer a multitude of advantages by promoting education, empowering them with skills and resources, addressing health and nutrition needs, reducing gender inequality, preventing early marriages, fostering financial independence, raising awareness, and contributing to holistic development. These schemes not only empower individual girls but also have a positive impact on families, communities, and the nation at large by creating a more equitable and thriving society.