Top 10 Government Programs for Girls' Education and Empowerment in India

Top 10 Government Programs for Girls' Education and Empowerment in India

India has a long history of valuing sons over daughters. This societal imbalance has led to a skewed sex ratio at birth, with fewer girls being born than boys. To combat this issue and empower girls, the Indian government has introduced numerous schemes that address various aspects of a girl child's life.

Here's a look at the top 10 initiatives for girls:

1) Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao (Save Daughter, Educate Daughter):

Launched in 2015, this flagship program aims to change mindsets and behaviours towards female children. It tackles issues like gender-biased sex selection and promotes girl child education. Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao works through public awareness campaigns and community engagement to create a safe and nurturing environment for every girl child.

2) CBSE Udaan Scheme:

This initiative by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) focuses on bridging the gender gap in higher education, particularly in technical fields like engineering. It offers free study materials, online resources, and virtual coaching to girls in grades 11 and 12, preparing them for entrance exams to prestigious engineering colleges.

3) Balika Samridhi Yojana (Girl Prosperity Scheme):

This scholarship program targets girls from underprivileged families. It aims to improve their social standing, delay marriage until a legal age, and increase school enrolment rates. The scheme provides financial assistance in the form of cash rewards at different stages of a girl's life, from birth to higher education.

4) Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (Small Deposit Scheme for the Girl Child):

Recognizing the financial burden associated with raising a girl, this scheme encourages parents to save for their daughter's future. Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana offers a government-backed savings account with attractive interest rates. It can be opened for a girl child up to the age of 10 and allows deposits until she turns 15.

5) State-Specific Schemes:

Several states have implemented their own girl child welfare programs alongside central government initiatives. For instance, the Ladli Scheme in Haryana provides financial incentives to parents with a second girl child, while the Kanyashree Prakalpa in West Bengal offers financial support to families with daughters for their education and marriage.

6) National Scheme of Incentive for the Girls of Secondary Education:

This pan-India program by the Ministry of Human Resource Development encourages girls from economically weaker sections to complete their secondary education (Class 10). Under this scheme, eligible girls receive a fixed deposit that matures when they turn 18, promoting financial security and continued education.

7) Ladli Laxmi Yojana (Madhya Pradesh):

This state-specific scheme by the Madhya Pradesh government aims to improve the health and education of girls. It provides financial assistance through National Saving Certificates deposited in the girl's name and supports her education milestones. However, to receive the full benefits, the girl must not be married before 18.

8) Karnataka Bhagyashree Scheme:

The Karnataka government's Bhagyashree Scheme focuses on promoting the birth and well-being of girls, particularly in low-income families. It offers healthcare coverage for girls and scholarships to support their education up to Class 10.

9) Mazi Kanya Bhagyashree Scheme (Maharashtra):

This Maharashtra government initiative provides financial aid to families with girl children, particularly those from low-income backgrounds. The scheme offers staggered financial support throughout the girl's life, from birth until she reaches adulthood.

10) Chief Minister's Girl Child Protection Scheme (Tamil Nadu):

This scheme by the Tamil Nadu government promotes gender equality by providing direct financial support to families with a girl child. It involves opening fixed deposits in the girl's name, which mature when she reaches 18. Additionally, the scheme offers annual incentives to support her education.