Let's get to know the 5 important initiatives of the central government for the bright future of the girl child
Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP)
Launched in 2015, this flagship initiative by the Government of India aims to promote the education and empowerment of girls.
Features of BBBP:
Raising awareness about the necessity of girls' education through social activities like media campaigns and rallies.
Collaborating with various stakeholders, including government departments, NGOs, and community leaders, to identify and address the root causes of gender discrimination against girls.
Ensuring equal access to quality education for girls by constructing and renovating schools, providing scholarships, and promoting enrollment.
Addressing issues like child marriage and gender-based violence.
Encouraging community participation through the formation of women's self-help groups (SHGs), grassroots committees, and community events.
Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY)
This small savings scheme was launched as part of the "Beti Bachao Beti Padhao" campaign to encourage parents to save for their daughters' education and marriage expenses.
Features of SSY:
Aiming to ensure financial security and empowerment for girls from a young age.
Parents or legal guardians can open a Sukanya Samriddhi Account (SSA) for girls below 10 years of age.
Accounts can be opened at any post office or approved bank across India.
The scheme offers a higher interest rate compared to other savings schemes.
Contributions and maturity amounts are eligible for income tax benefits under the Income Tax Act of 1961.
The minimum annual deposit is ₹250, and the maximum limit is ₹1.5 lakh per year.
The account matures when the girl turns 21 or upon her marriage at the age of 18.
Upon maturity, the total amount can be withdrawn by the girl.
Balika Samriddhi Yojana (BSY)
Launched in 1997, this government scheme provides financial assistance to girls from Below Poverty Line (BPL) families.
Features of BSY:
The BSY scheme provides ₹1,000 as financial assistance. Parents receive ₹500 when a girl is born.
The girl child receives an annual scholarship of ₹1,000 until she completes her education from class 1 to 10.
Only two daughters from a single family are eligible to apply for this central government scheme.
The scheme aims to change the negative attitudes towards girls in society.
CBSE Udaan Scholarship Program
(CBSE Udaan Scheme)
This program, initiated by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), aims to assist economically disadvantaged girls in pursuing higher education in renowned engineering institutions.
Features of the Udaan Scholarship Program:
Available for girls studying in the 11th grade at CBSE-affiliated schools.
Students must enroll in the Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) stream.
Selected female students are provided with free online learning resources, including videos, study materials, and practice questions.
The program encourages more girls to enroll in engineering colleges across the country.
It offers peer learning opportunities and mentorship programs for outstanding students.
The scheme regularly evaluates the progress of selected students.
- National Scheme for Promoting Secondary Education for Girls
(National Scheme for Incentive to Girls for Secondary Education)
Launched in 2008 by the Ministry of Education, this central government initiative aims to enhance access to secondary education for girls aged 14-18 from SC/ST backgrounds.
National Scheme for Promoting Secondary Education for Girls
Primarily targeting girls from lower socio-economic backgrounds who have passed the 8th-grade examination.
The Ministry of Education invests ₹3,000 as a fixed deposit (FD) in the girl's name.
This amount accrues interest at higher fixed deposit rates and is collected for educational purposes.
The total amount can only be withdrawn when the girl turns 18.
Early withdrawals from the FD account are not allowed under this scheme.
To qualify, the girl must be enrolled in the 9th grade at a state government-aided or local body-run school. These initiatives reflect the government's commitment to ensuring the well-being and empowerment of girls in India.
