India observes National Girl Child Day annually on January 24 to raise awareness of gender equality and advocate for equal opportunities in education, healthcare, and nutrition. Through the observance of this day, the government aims to further the principles of equality and dignity for every girl child.
The government has launched a series of schemes to ensure the financial and social inclusivity of girls and women in our society. On National Girl Child Day this year, here's a look at the top 10 central government schemes for girls.
Beti Bachao Beti Padhao
Launched in 2015 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) scheme aims to address social issues such as gender-based abortion and low sex ratio. It also promotes education and empowerment of the girl child.
CBSE Udaan Scheme
The Udaan Scheme aims to increase girls' participation in engineering and other key technical courses. It is managed by the Central Board of Secondary Education and the Ministry of Human Resource Development.
Balika Samridhhi Yojana
The Balika Samriddhi Yojana, launched in 1997, is another government scheme aimed at supporting girl children from families below the poverty line. A financial assistance of Rs. 500 is offered to parents upon the birth of a girl child. An annual scholarship of up to Rs. 1,000 is awarded to the girl child until she completes class 10.
Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY)
As part of the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao initiative, the scheme encourages parents of girls under the age of 10 to save for their education and marriage expenses. The Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY) offers higher interest rates compared to traditional savings options such as bank fixed deposits. Additionally, contributions to the scheme are eligible for tax deductions, making it an attractive savings option for parents.
Balika Samriddhi Yojana
Launched in 1997, the Balika Samriddhi Yojana offers financial assistance to girl children from families below the poverty line. Financial assistance of Rs. 500 is given to the parents upon the birth of a girl child. Further, an annual scholarship of Rs. 300 to Rs. 1,000 is awarded to the girl child until she completes the 10th grade.
National Scheme of Incentive for the Girls of Secondary Education
Run by the Department of School Education & Literacy, Human Resource Development Ministry, the scheme intends to help girls from India's deprived classes and enable them to complete their secondary education. A deserving girl will receive Rs. 3000 as a fixed deposit on her behalf under the scheme. She can withdraw this money with interest after she reaches the age of 18 and has passed class 10.
Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya
The Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya scheme is an initiative to promote the education of girls, particularly those from marginalised communities. It provides residential school facilities for girls in rural and remote areas.
National Scheme of Incentive to Girls for Secondary Education (NSIGSE)
The scheme aims to encourage girls to continue their education at the secondary level. The incentive is available to all girls, but special attention is given to those from families below the poverty line.
NPS Vatsalya Scheme
It is a new pension scheme for children between 0 to 18 years of age. A parent can deposit a minimum of Rs 1000 per month with no upper cap. The account will be managed by the parents until the child reaches the age of 18, after which it will be transferred to the child's name and operated by them.
Mission Poshan 2.0:
The scheme addresses the challenges of malnutrition among children, adolescent girls, pregnant women, and lactating mothers. It focuses on nation-building by creating a convergent ecosystem to develop and promote practices that nurture health, wellness, and immunity.
Efforts have been made to improve the quality of nutrition, enhance testing in accredited labs, strengthen service delivery, and harness technology through the ‘Poshan Tracker' to ensure timely supervision and effective management of services.
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