The Government of India has launched several schemes and programs to promote girl child education in the country. These schemes aim to provide financial assistance, scholarships, and other incentives to families and girls to encourage them to continue their education.
Important government schemes for girl child education in India
1. Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) Scheme
Launched in 2015, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao aims to address the declining child sex ratio and promote the education of the girl child.
The scheme focuses on the districts with low child sex ratio and provides financial assistance for the education and health of the girl child. The scheme is implemented in a convergent and collaborative manner with the State Governments/UTs and other relevant Ministries/Departments and stakeholders.
The scheme is implemented through a three-tier structure: District, State, and National levels. The scheme has several components such as creating awareness and public mobilization, strengthening of function and delivery of ICDS, strengthening schools and education, and enabling girls’ education.
Government Schools in India
2. Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya (KGBV) Scheme
This scheme was launched in 2004 to provide education to girls from disadvantaged sections of society. Under the scheme, residential schools are set up for girls in areas with low female literacy rates.
The schools provide education up to the 8th standard and also provide hostel facilities. The scheme is aimed at providing educational facilities to girls belonging to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes, minority communities, and families below the poverty line in difficult areas.
The scheme is implemented through the State Governments/UTs and the KGBVs are run and managed by the State Governments/UTs.
The scheme provides for a one-time grant of Rs. 5 lakhs to set up the school, and a recurring grant of Rs. 1.5 lakhs per annum for running the school.
3. Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY)
Launched in 2015, Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana is a small deposit scheme for the girl child. The scheme allows parents to open a savings account in the name of the girl child and provides a high interest rate of 7.6%.
The money can be withdrawn when the girl child turns 18 to be used for her education or marriage. The scheme is available for girl children below the age of 10 years.
The account can be opened in any post office or authorized bank branch by the legal guardian of the girl child. The minimum deposit that can be made is Rs.1000 and the maximum deposit per year is Rs.1.5 lacs.
The scheme offers tax benefits under section 80C of the Income Tax Act.
4. National Girl Child Day
Every year on January 24, National Girl Child Day is celebrated in India to raise awareness about the importance of girl child education and the challenges faced by girls in India.
On this day, various activities and programs are organized to promote girl child education and empowerment. The day is celebrated to raise awareness about the importance of education for the girl child and to address the various challenges faced by girls in India, such as discrimination, violence, and lack of access to education.
Kanya Kosh Scheme
5. National Means-cum-Merit Scholarship (NMMS) Scheme
This scheme provides financial assistance to students from economically weaker sections to pursue higher education. Under the scheme, scholarships are provided to students who score well in the 8th standard examination.
The scholarship is provided to the students for studying in classes 9th and 10th. The scholarship amount is Rs.12000/- per annum. The scholarship is awarded by the State Governments/UTs to the eligible students. The scholarship can be availed by students from economically weaker sections of society.
6. Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA)
Launched in 2009, this scheme aims to improve the quality of education in secondary schools in India. Under the scheme, financial assistance is provided to schools to improve infrastructure, provide teacher training, and implement girl-friendly policies.
The scheme is implemented by the State Governments/UTs and the funds are released to the schools through the State Governments/UTs.
7. National Scholarship for Higher Education of ST Girls
This scheme provides financial assistance to Scheduled Tribe (ST) girls to pursue higher education. The scholarship is provided to students who have passed the 10th standard examination and are enrolled in a higher education program. The scholarship amount
In addition to the government schemes discussed above, there are also individual grants and scholarships available for girl child education in India.
These grants and scholarships provide financial assistance to girls from disadvantaged backgrounds to pursue their education.
8. Mukhyamantri Rajshree Yojana (Rajasthan)
Launched on June 1, 2016, the Mukhyamantri Rajshree Yojana aims to promote the health and education of girl children in Rajasthan. The scheme provides financial assistance of ₹50,000 to families with girl children born on or after June 1, 2016. This amount is disbursed in six installments at various stages of the child’s life, including:
- ₹2,500 at birth₹2,500 after one year for vaccination₹4,000 upon admission to the first grade of a government school₹5,000 for admission to the sixth grade₹11,000 for admission to the tenth grade₹25,000 upon passing the twelfth grade
9. Kanya Sumangala Yojana (Uttar Pradesh)
The Kanya Sumangala Yojana provides financial assistance at various stages of a girl’s life—from birth through her education. Families receive financial support to encourage them to invest in their daughters’ futures. The scheme offers:A one-time grant at birthFinancial aid for education at different levels (primary, secondary, and higher education)This initiative aims to reduce dropout rates among girls and promote their overall well-being
10. CBSE Udaan Scheme
Implemented by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), the Udaan Scheme focuses on increasing enrollment of girls in prestigious engineering and technical colleges. It provides:
- Free resources and study materialsMentoring and coaching for competitive examsPeer education opportunities
11. Ladli Scheme (Haryana and Delhi)
The Ladli Scheme aims to enhance the status of girl children in society by offering financial incentives at various educational milestones. Key features include:Financial assistance provided when a girl child is bornAdditional support for education at different stagesThis scheme encourages families to keep their daughters in school and improve their educational outcomes
12. Karnataka Bhagyashree Scheme
This state-level initiative supports families below the poverty line by providing financial assistance for both education and medical expenses of girl children. The scheme aims to:
- Alleviate financial burdens on low-income familiesEnsure that girls receive proper healthcare and educational opportunities
13. Mazi Kanya Bhagyashree Scheme (Maharashtra)
The Mazi Kanya Bhagyashree Scheme encourages parents to save for their daughter’s future educational needs by offering financial incentives at different stages of her life. Features include:
- Financial support provided at key educational milestonesEncouragement for parents to invest in their daughters’ education
14. Nanda Devi Kanya Yojana
Aimed at improving the status of girl children in Uttarakhand, this scheme provides financial support specifically for their education. Key aspects include:
- Direct financial assistance for educational expensesFocus on promoting gender equality and empowering girls
Conclusion
The Government of India has taken several steps to promote girl child education in the country. These schemes and programs provide financial assistance, scholarships, and other incentives to families and girls to encourage them to continue their education.
These schemes are aimed at addressing the declining child sex ratio, promoting girl-child education, and providing education to girls from disadvantaged sections of society.
However, it is important to note that the implementation and reach of these schemes still need improvement. There is a need for more awareness about these schemes and better access to them for families and girls in need.
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