Introduction:
The Government of India has initiated several schemes to promote the welfare, education, health, and overall empowerment of girl children. These schemes aim to combat deep-rooted societal issues such as gender discrimination, female infanticide, lack of access to education, and child marriage. The central government has adopted a multi-dimensional approach through these schemes to ensure the protection, survival, and development of girl children.
1. Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP)
Launched in 2015, the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (Save the Girl Child, Educate the Girl Child) scheme is one of the flagship programs of the Indian government. The scheme aims to address the declining Child Sex Ratio (CSR) and promote the education and empowerment of girl children. It involves coordinated efforts from the Ministry of Women and Child Development, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, and Ministry of Education.
The program focuses on awareness campaigns, community mobilization, strict enforcement of the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act, and improvement of girls’ enrollment and retention in schools. Though primarily a promotional scheme, it has created a nationwide movement advocating for gender equality and women’s rights.
2. Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY)
Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana is a small savings scheme launched under the BBBP initiative to encourage parents to build a financial corpus for their girl child’s future education and marriage expenses. Parents or legal guardians can open an SSY account for a girl child below 10 years of age in any post office or authorized bank. The account matures after 21 years or upon the marriage of the girl child after she turns 18.
The scheme offers a high rate of interest (compounded annually), tax benefits under Section 80C, and complete tax exemption on the interest earned and maturity amount. It promotes long-term savings and financial security for girls.
3. CBSE Udaan Scheme
The Udaan scheme, launched by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), aims to increase the enrollment of girl students in prestigious engineering colleges. It provides free online and offline resources for female students of Class 11 and 12 from economically disadvantaged backgrounds who aspire to pursue STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) education. The scheme includes tutorials, mentoring, and study materials to prepare for engineering entrance exams like JEE.
This initiative not only encourages higher education among girls but also empowers them to break gender stereotypes and pursue careers in science and technology.
4. National Scheme of Incentive to Girls for Secondary Education (NSIGSE)
This scheme was launched in 2008 by the Ministry of Education to promote enrollment of girl children in secondary schools, particularly those belonging to SC/ST communities or below the poverty line. Under this scheme, an amount of ₹3,000 is deposited in a fixed deposit in the name of eligible girls who pass Class 8 and enroll in Class 9. The amount, along with interest, is given to the girl when she turns 18 and has completed Class 10.
NSIGSE is designed to reduce dropout rates and encourage girls to continue their education at least till the secondary level.
5. Balika Samridhi Yojana (BSY)
Introduced in 1997, Balika Samridhi Yojana aims to change negative family and community attitudes towards the girl child at birth and enhance her social status. Under the scheme, a post-birth grant of ₹500 is given to the mother of the girl child, followed by annual scholarships for her education up to Class 10. It is targeted at girls from Below Poverty Line (BPL) families.
Conclusion
The central government of India has taken multiple steps to ensure the safety, education, and empowerment of girl children through various targeted schemes. These programs play a crucial role in challenging gender norms, promoting equality, and fostering a conducive environment for girls to grow, learn, and lead. While much progress has been made, sustained efforts, awareness, and effective implementation at the grassroots level are essential to ensure that every girl child in India gets the opportunity to thrive.