Central Government Scheme for Girl Child: Apply Online, Required Documents & Guidelines

Empowering girls is empowering the nation. Girls are the future leaders, innovators, and changemakers of society. They deserve equal opportunities and rights to pursue their dreams and aspirations. However, many girls in India face various challenges and barriers that prevent them from achieving their full potential. These include gender discrimination, violence, child marriage, lack of education, health care, and nutrition.

The central government of India is committed to uplifting and empowering girls through various schemes and initiatives. These schemes aim to address the issues and challenges faced by girls and provide them with financial support, education, health care, skill development, and social protection. Some of the schemes are:

Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana

• A savings scheme for girl children that provides them with a secure future and higher education.

Balika Samriddhi Yojana

• A scheme that provides cash incentives to families for the birth and education of girl children.

CBSE Udaan Scheme

A scheme that provides free online coaching and mentoring to girl students of classes 11 and 12 for admission to engineering colleges.

Beti Bachao Beti Padhao

• A campaign that aims to prevent gender-biased sex selection, ensure the survival and protection of girl children, and promote their education.

National Scheme of Incentives for Girls for Secondary Education

• A scheme that provides scholarships to girl students who enroll in secondary education after passing class 8.

 

These are some of the examples of the central government schemes for girl children in India. There are many more schemes that cater to the different needs and interests of girls in various fields and sectors. These schemes are designed to promote gender equality and empower girls to become confident, independent, and successful citizens of the country.

Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao (Save the Girl Child, Educate the Girl Child)

One of the most important schemes for girls launched by the central government is Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao (BBBP). This scheme aims to prevent female feticide and ensure the survival, protection, and education of the girl child in India.

Description of the scheme’s objectives

The main objectives of BBBP are:

• To prevent gender-biased sex selection and eliminate female feticide
• To ensure the survival and well-being of the girl child
• To promote the education and empowerment of the girl child

The scheme covers all states and union territories of India, with a special focus on 640 districts with a low child sex ratio. The scheme is implemented through a convergent approach of various ministries, departments, and agencies at the central, state, and district levels.

Impactful statistics showcasing the positive outcomes of the initiative

According to the Ministry of Women and Child Development, BBBP has shown significant improvement in the child sex ratio at birth in many districts. Some of the key achievements of the scheme are:

• The national average child sex ratio at birth increased from 918 in 2014-15 to 934 in 2019-20
• Out of 640 districts covered under BBBP, 422 districts showed improvement in child sex ratio at birth
• The gross enrolment ratio of girls in secondary education increased from 77.45% in 2014-15 to 81.32% in 2018-19
• The percentage of institutional deliveries increased from 87% in 2014-15 to 94.5% in 2019-20
• The percentage of fully immunized children increased from 62% in 2014-15 to 69.5% in 2019-20

Examples of successful interventions and campaigns under the scheme

Some of the successful interventions and campaigns under BBBP are:

• Selfie with Daughter: A social media campaign initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to celebrate the girl child and spread awareness about her value and rights
• Beti Janmotsav: A mass celebration of the birth of girl children organized by district administrations across the country
• Beti Samman Week: A week-long celebration of the achievements and contributions of girls and women in various fields
• Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Awards: An annual recognition of the best-performing districts, states, and individuals for their exemplary work under BBBP
• Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Clubs: A network of adolescent girls and boys who act as change agents and advocates for gender equality and girl child rights

BBBP is a transformative scheme that aims to create a positive environment for the girl child in India. It is the collective responsibility of all stakeholders to support and sustain this initiative for a better future for our daughters.

Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (Girl Child Prosperity Scheme)

Another important scheme for girl children in India is Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY). This scheme was launched in 2015 by the Ministry of Finance as a part of the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao campaign. The name of the scheme means ‘Girl Child Prosperity Scheme’ in Hindi.

Objectives of SSY

The main objectives of this scheme are:

• To encourage parents to save money for the future education and marriage expenses of their girl children
• To provide a secure and attractive investment option for the girl children
• To offer tax benefits to the parents and the girl children

Eligibility and Benefits of SSY

The scheme allows parents or legal guardians of a girl child below the age of 10 to open an SSY account in her name. Only one account can be opened for a girl child and a maximum of two accounts can be opened for a family. The account can be opened at designated post offices or banks with a minimum deposit of Rs. 250 per year. The maximum deposit limit is Rs. 1.5 lakh per year.

The SSY account has a tenure of 21 years or until the girl child marries after the age of 18. The account earns an interest rate of 8% per annum (for Q1 FY 2023-24), which is compounded annually. The interest rate is revised quarterly by the government and is usually higher than other small savings schemes.

The Yojana also offers several tax benefits to the parents and the girl children. The principal amount deposited, the interest earned, and the maturity amount are all exempt from income tax under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act, 1961. The deposits can also be claimed as deductions up to Rs. 1.5 lakh per year under Section 80C.

The SSY account allows partial withdrawal of up to 50% of the balance after the girl child attains the age of 18 for her higher education or marriage. The account can also be transferred from one post office or bank to another anywhere in India.

Outcomes and Impact of SSY

The SSY scheme is a beneficial scheme for girl children as it provides them with a secure future and financial independence. It also promotes gender equality and women empowerment by encouraging the education and participation of girls in various fields and sectors. It is a step towards achieving the vision of a ‘New India’ where girls are valued, respected, and educated.

Udaan: A Flight to Empowerment

Another scheme for girl children in India is Udaan. This scheme was launched by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) under the guidance of the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD) in 2014. The name of the scheme means ‘A flight to empowerment’ in Hindi.

Objectives of Udaan

The main objectives of this scheme are:

• To address the low enrolment of girl students in prestigious engineering and technical institutions
• To bridge the gap between school education and engineering entrance examination
• To enrich the teaching and learning of science and mathematics at school level
• To provide free online coaching and mentoring to girl students of class 11 and 12

Eligibility and Benefits of Udaan

The scheme is open to Indian girl students who are studying in class 11 with physics, chemistry, and mathematics (PCM) streams. The girl students should have scored at least 70% marks in class 10 overall and 80% marks in science and mathematics. The annual family income should be less than Rs. 6 lakh per annum.

The Yojana provides free offline/online resources to the selected girl students through virtual weekend contact classes and study material on pre-loaded tablets. The scheme also provides orientation sessions on using technology, assessments, feedback, remedial steps, peer learning, mentoring, motivation sessions, and student helpline services.

Outcomes and Impact of Udaan

The scheme aims to prepare the girl students for admission tests to various premier engineering colleges in the country such as IITs, NITs, etc. The Yojana also aims to inspire the girl students to pursue careers in engineering and technology and contribute to the development of the nation.

The scheme has shown positive outcomes in enhancing the performance and confidence of the girl students. According to the latest data, some of the achievements of the scheme are:

• 10,000+ girl students have been enrolled under the scheme since its inception
• 1,000+ girl students have qualified for JEE Mains examination
• 100+ girl students have qualified for JEE Advanced examination
• 50+ girl students have secured admission in IITs/NITs/IIITs

Udaan is a scheme that aims to give wings to the girl students and empower them to fly high in the field of engineering and technology. It is a step towards achieving the vision of a ‘New India’ where girls are valued, respected, and educated.

Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (Prime Minister’s Maternity Benefit Scheme)

Another scheme for girls launched by the central government is Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY). This scheme provides cash incentives to pregnant and lactating women for their health and nutrition.

Description of the scheme’s objectives

The main objectives of PMMVY are:

• To provide partial compensation for the wage loss during pregnancy and lactation
• To improve the health and nutrition status of pregnant and lactating women and their infants
• To encourage institutional delivery and early initiation of breastfeeding

The scheme covers all eligible pregnant and lactating women except those who are in regular employment with the central or state governments or public sector undertakings. The scheme provides a cash benefit of Rs. 5000 in three installments upon fulfilling certain conditions.

Impactful statistics showcasing the positive outcomes of the initiative

According to the Ministry of Women and Child Development, PMMVY has benefited more than 1.75 crore women across the country. Some of the key outcomes of the scheme are:

• The % of women receiving at least four antenatal check-ups increased from 51% in 2015-16 to 66% in 2019-20
• The percentage of women receiving iron and folic acid tablets for at least 100 days during pregnancy increased from 30% in 2015-16 to 40% in 2019-20
• The percentage of women delivering in health facilities increased from 79% in 2015-16 to 85% in 2019-20
• The % of children receiving early initiation of breastfeeding within one hour of birth increased from 42% in 2015-16 to 55% in 2019-20

Examples of successful interventions and campaigns under the scheme

Some of the successful interventions and campaigns under PMMVY are:

• CAS: A web-based application system that enables online registration, verification, approval, and payment of cash benefits to beneficiaries
• Mobile App: A user-friendly mobile application that provides information and guidance on PMMVY and related services
• Awareness Campaign: A mass media campaign that disseminates messages on PMMVY and its benefits through various platforms such as radio, television, print, social media, etc.
• Grievance Redressal Mechanism: A toll-free helpline number (1800-118-111) and an email id (pmmvygrievance@wcd.nic.in) that address the queries and complaints of beneficiaries and stakeholders

PMMVY is a progressive scheme that supports the health and well-being of mothers and infants in India. It is a vital step towards ensuring safe motherhood and child survival.

How NSIGSE Helps Girls Shine in Secondary Education

Do you know what NSIGSE stands for? It is the National Scheme of Incentives to Girls for Secondary Education, a wonderful scheme for girls launched by the central government. This scheme helps girls to continue their studies after class VIII and achieve their dreams.

What does NSIGSE do?

NSIGSE has three main goals:

• To create a friendly environment that encourages girls to stay in school and complete secondary education
• To boost the enrolment of girls from marginalized groups such as SC, ST, OBC, and minority communities in secondary education
• To give financial support to eligible girls for their school expenses

This scheme is for all unmarried girls who have cleared class VIII and are studying in class IX in government, local body, or government-aided schools. This program gives a one-time reward of Rs. 3000 to each girl, which is kept in her name in a bank account and can be taken out with interest after she turns 18 years old and passes class X.

How does NSIGSE make a difference?

NSIGSE has made a huge difference in the lives of more than 1.2 crore girls since it started in 2008-09. Here are some of the amazing results of the scheme:

• Total Girls enrolling in secondary education rose from 58.5% in 2008-09 to 81.3% in 2018-19
• The number of girls dropping out of secondary education fell from 17.6% in 2008-09 to 14.5% in 2018-19
• Counts of girls moving from upper primary to secondary education grew from 79.4% in 2008-09 to 90.9% in 2018-19
• The ratio of girls to boys in secondary education improved from 0.88 in 2008-09 to 1.01 in 2018-19

How does NSIGSE work?

NSIGSE works in some of the following ways:

• Portal: A website that lets online application, verification, approval, and payment of rewards to beneficiaries
• Awareness Campaign: A media campaign that spreads messages on NSIGSE and its benefits through various platforms such as radio, television, print, social media, etc.
• Monitoring and Evaluation: A regular check and assessment mechanism that tracks the progress and impact of the scheme through various indicators and feedback mechanisms
• Best Practices: A collection and sharing of the best practices and innovations under the scheme by various states and districts

NSIGSE is a great scheme that inspires and supports girls to pursue secondary education in India. It is an important step towards ensuring gender equality and empowerment of women.

Conclusion,

In this article, we have seen how the central government has launched various schemes for girls to empower them through education, health, and financial support.

The impact of the schemes

These schemes have a transformative impact on the lives of girls and their families. They help girls to achieve their potential and contribute to the development of the nation.

The need for awareness and support

However, there is still a lot of work to be done to ensure that every girl in India has access to these schemes and benefits from them. We all have a role to play in spreading awareness about these schemes and supporting girls’ empowerment.

The ways to get involved

Here are some of the ways we can do that:

• Share this article with your friends and family on social media and other platforms
• Visit the official websites of these schemes and learn more about them
• Encourage and motivate the girls in your community to enroll and participate in these schemes
• Report any cases of discrimination or violation of girls’ rights to the authorities
• Celebrate and appreciate the achievements and contributions of girls and women in various fields

The Call to Action

Together, we can make a difference in the lives of millions of girls in India. Let us join hands and support the central government’s efforts to empower girls through these schemes. Let us make India a country where every girl is valued, respected, and empowered.

Please visit official website page https://socialjustice.gov.in/scheme-cat for more scheme details.