Back in the year 1997, the Indian government launched a scheme specifically for girl children called the Balika Samridhi Yojana under the purview of the Ministry of Women and Child Development. The government scheme was launched to improve the standard of living of girl children born into economically marginalised households.
This government initiative is different from other such related initiatives, as it provides not only financial help to the families of girl children, but it also focuses on sowing the seed of independence in them so that they can grow up to be strong and confident women of the nation.
Read the article to learn more about the government scheme for girl children, including information on the process of Balika Samridhi Yojana online apply and answers to popular questions like, ‘Balika Samridhi Yojana kab shuru hui?’.
Overview
The table below summarises some key details about the government scheme that one should know.
| Name of the scheme | Balika Samridhi Yojana |
|---|
| Launched by | Government of India |
| What is the Balika Samridhi Yojana launch date? | 2 October, 1997 |
| Objective | To provide financial support to the families of girl children |
| What is the Balika Samridhi Yojana age limit? | 18 years |
| Mode of application | Offline |
Read More: Top Government Schemes For Girl Child In India
What Is The Balika Samridhi Yojana?
The Balika Samridhi Yojana is a flagship initiative launched by the Indian government under the purview of the Ministry of Women and Child Development. The Balika Samridhi Yojana launch date is 2 October, 1997. The primary aim of the scheme is to provide financial support to the families of girl children so that they can raise their daughters in a better environment.
The government scheme for girl children aims to eradicate issues like early marriage, high dropout rates from schools, and an increased mortality rate. This initiative by the Indian government promotes social change wherein girl children should be respected and cared for instead of being looked upon as a burden by their own parents.
Objectives Of The Balika Samridhi Yojana
The governemnt scheme comprises several objectives, some of which are written below in brief points:
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The main objective of the government scheme is to shift the perspectives of Indian families when it comes to the birth of a girl child; girls should not be looked upon as a burden but should be cared for and nurtured as every child in this world deserves.
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BSY aims to minimise the dropout rates of girls from schools through various scholarships provided from class 1 to class 10. This will not only increase the literacy rate of girls but will also make them independent in the future.
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One of the objectives of the government scheme for girl children is also to minimise and eventually eradicate the issues of early-age marriages, wherein girls are married off even before attaining the legal age of 18 years.
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Overall, the govt initiative aims to mould girl children into independent and educated women who decide the flow and direction of their lives, not anybody else.
Also Read: Delhi Ladli Scheme For NCT Girls
Benefits Of The Balika Samridhi Yojana
The Balika Samridhi Yojana comes along with a range of benefits for its beneficiaries. Some of the key benefits are mentioned below for one’s better understanding of the scheme:
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Under the Balika Samridhi Yojana, a one-time post-birth grant of Rs. 500 is provided for the initial care of the girl child. This grant helps the families in properly nurturing the girl child, as infants require special immediate care.
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Under BSY, annual scholarships are provided to girl children based on the class they are studying in; the amount of the scholarship keeps on increasing from Rs. 300 to Rs. 1000.
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The scholarships provided under this government scheme for girl children are deposited directly into the bank accounts created in the name of the registered girl child. The withdrawal can only be made by the girl after they attains the legal age of 18 years.
Scholarship Given Under The Balika Samridhi Yojana
The annual scholarship granted to the beneficiaries of this government scheme for girl children is mentioned below in tabular form:
| Class | Amount of the scholarship (annually) |
|---|
| 1-3 | Rs. 300 |
| 4 | Rs. 500 |
| 5 | Rs. 600 |
| 6-7 | Rs. 700 |
| 8 | Rs. 800 |
| 9-10 | Rs. 1000 |
Please note that the scholarship can only be withdrawn by the beneficiaries after the turning 18 years or older. However, if the girl gets married before even turning 18 years old, they’ll not be allowed to withdraw any amount but can retain the post-birth grant with interest.
What Is The Eligibility Criteria For The Balika Samridhi Yojana?
Interested individuals are required to fulfil all the eligibility criteria of the scheme to apply for it. The criteria are as follows for one’s better understanding:
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Applicants’ families should fall under the BPL category of the Swarnajayanti Gram Swarozgar Yojana (SGSY) or should be identified by the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS).
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People living in slums located in urban areas can also apply for the scheme.
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People engaged in the professions of fruit seller, rag pickers, street vendors, or other such unorganised sectors can apply for the scheme.
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Girls born on or after 15 August 1997 are eligible to apply for this scheme.
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Only two girls per family can avail the benefits of this scheme.
Also Read: Pudhumai Penn Scheme: ₹1,000 Monthly Assistance For Girls
How To Apply For The Balika Samridhi Yojana?
Applicants can apply for the government scheme by physically visiting the govt offices. The process of application is mentioned below in a step-wise manner.
Offline Process
Step 1: Please visit the municipal corporation or approach any Anganwadi workers for obtaining the application form of the scheme.
Step 2: Fill out the application form accurately. The application form is available in Balika samridhi yojana form pdf in hindi language too for the convenience of the beneficiaries.
Step 4: Attach all the required documents along with the Balika Samridhi Yojana form PDF.
Step 5: Submit it with the Anganwadi workers or at the municipal office and wait for approval.
Please note that the scheme doesn’t offer any platform for Balika samridhi yojana online registration.
What Are The Documents Required For The Balika Samridhi Yojana?
There are some documents that the applicants are required to attach while filling out the Balika Samridhi Yojana form PDF. The list of those documents is:
What Is The Difference Between The Balika Samriddhi Yojana & Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana?
The difference between the Balika Samriddhi Yojana (BSY) & the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY1) is explained in the table below:
| Component | Balika Samriddhi Yojana (BSY) | Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY) |
|---|
| Launch year | 1997 | 2015 |
| Required investment | Funded by the govt | Annual deposits worth Rs. 250 to 1.5 lakh |
| Rate of interest | Based on NSC/PPF rates | 8.2% |
| Withdrawal age | 18 years (if unmarried) | 18 years or 21 years |
Conclusion
The Balika Samridhi Yojana is not just another government scheme but an effort by the Indian government to empower and uplift the girl children of India who have been oppressed for centuries. This government scheme not only aims to provide girls with financial aids but also makes a path for them toward necessary resources like education and healthcare.
This government scheme for girl children is a step toward a better, inclusive, and sensible India that will be known for creating a safe and growth-oriented environment for women where minds are nurtured, not destroyed.
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