Empowering Girls: Understanding the Kanya Sumangala Yojana
Empowering Girls: Understanding the Kanya Sumangala Yojana
In a significant stride towards empowering girl children and promoting gender equality, the State of Uttar Pradesh introduced the Kanya Sumangala Yojana in October 2019. This pioneering initiative aims to provide financial assistance to families with girl children, especially those facing economic challenges, to support their education and overall development.
Understanding the Scheme
The Kanya Sumangala Yojana is designed to benefit families with upto two girl children. Eligible families, whose total annual income doesn’t exceed Rs. 3 lakhs, receive financial support amounting to Rs. 15,000 per girl child. This support is provided in six instalments, each tied to important milestones in a girl's life, from birth to higher education.
Financial Assistance Breakdown
The financial assistance provided under the scheme is structured as follows:
- Upon Birth: Families receive Rs. 2,000 for each girl child born on or after April 1, 2015.
- Post-Vaccination: An additional Rs. 1,000 is provided after the girl child receives vaccinations within her first year.
- Admission to School: Upon admission to the first standard, families receive Rs. 2,000 per girl child.
- Advancing Education: As the girl child progresses to higher standards, she receives Rs. 2,000 upon admission to the sixth standard and Rs. 3,000 upon admission to the ninth standard.
- Higher Education: Upon completing the 10th or 12th standard and enrolling in a Bachelor's degree or Diploma Course, the girl child is entitled to Rs. 5,000.
Application Process
Families interested in availing the benefits of the Kanya Sumangala Yojana can apply online through the official website. The below steps are included in the application process:
- Registration: Visit the Citizen's Service Portal on the official website and register as a new user.
- Verification: Complete the registration form and verify your mobile number using the OTP (One-Time Password) received.
- Document Submission: Upload essential documents such as Aadhar Card, Passbook details, Income Proof, and photographs of the girl child and parents.
- Approval and Disbursement: Once the application is approved, the financial assistance is disbursed directly to the beneficiary's bank account in phased instalments aligned with the specified milestones.
Impact and Importance
The Kanya Sumangala Yojana plays a pivotal role in promoting gender equality, combating female foeticide, and encouraging positive societal attitudes towards girl children. By supporting families with limited financial means, the scheme empowers girls to pursue education and realize their potential, contributing to a more equitable and inclusive society.
Promoting Education and Equality
Education is a fundamental right that every child deserves. However, socio-economic constraints often limit access to education, especially for girl children. The Kanya Sumangala Yojana seeks to break these barriers by providing financial assistance that enables families to invest in their daughters' education without financial burden.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Kanya Sumangala Yojana, families must be permanent residents of Uttar Pradesh with a total income not exceeding Rs. 3 lakhs. The scheme accommodates families with adopted girl children and extends benefits to families with twin girls, ensuring inclusivity.
Empowering Girl Children
Empowering girl children through education not only benefits individuals but also families and communities. Educated girls are more likely to make informed decisions about their health, pursue higher education, and contribute meaningfully to society. By supporting their educational journey, the Kanya Sumangala Yojana empowers girls to realize their potential and become agents of change in their communities.
Conclusion
The Kanya Sumangala Yojana shows the commitment of Uttar Pradesh towards empowering girl children and fostering gender parity. Providing financial aid at critical junctures in a girl's life, ensures she has the opportunity to receive education and pursue her dreams.