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
| Scheme Name | Year Launched | Target Group | Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beti Bachao Beti Padhao | 2015 | All girls | Awareness, financial support |
| Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana | 2015 | Girls <10 yrs | Savings account, tax benefits |
| NMMS | 2008 | Class 8 students | ₹12,000 scholarship |
| KGBV | 2004 | SC/ST/OBC girls | Free residential schooling |
| RMSA | 2009 | Secondary students | Infrastructure, training |
Major State Level Girl Child Education Scheme
| Scheme | State | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Rajshree Yojana | Rajasthan | ₹50,000 in 6 milestones |
| Kanya Sumangala | Uttar Pradesh | Financial aid from birth to graduation |
| Ladli Scheme | Delhi, Haryana | Incentives at birth and education |
| Bhagyashree | Karnataka | Support for education and health |
| Mazi Kanya Bhagyashree | Maharashtra | Savings-linked education incentives |
| Nanda Devi Kanya Yojana | Uttarakhand | Financial aid for education |
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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:
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:
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:
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:
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:
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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FAQs
Which government scheme is best for girl child education in India?
There isn’t a single best scheme, as each serves a different purpose. However, Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY) is considered one of the most effective due to its high interest rate, tax benefits, and focus on long-term savings.
How can I apply for the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana?
You can apply for the SSY by visiting your nearest post office or authorized banks such as SBI, HDFC, or ICICI. You will need to fill out the SSY account opening form and submit documents like the girl child’s birth certificate, identity proof, and address proof of the guardian.
What are the documents required for girl child education schemes?
Common documents include the girl child’s birth certificate, proof of identity and residence of parents, income certificate, school admission certificate, and a passport-size photograph.
Who is eligible for the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana?
Parents of a girl child under 10 years can open a Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana account at any post office or authorized bank, with a minimum deposit of ₹1,000 and a maximum of ₹1.5 lakh per year.
