National Girl Child Day is celebrated on January 24 each year, with the aim of raising awareness about the rights of girl children and addressing the challenges they face. The Government of India has implemented several schemes to empower girls and ensure their well-being. In this article, we will discuss five remarkable government schemes that are making a difference in the lives of girl children across the country.
Beti Bacho, Beti Padhao
The Beti Bacho, Beti Padhao (Save the girl child, Educate the girl child) scheme was launched on January 22, 2015. It focuses on addressing the declining child sex ratio and promoting the empowerment of girls and women. The scheme aims to prevent gender-biased sex-selective elimination, ensure the survival and protection of girl children, and promote their education and participation.
CBSE Udaan Scheme
The CBSE Udaan scheme was introduced by the Central Board of Secondary Education to address the low enrollment of female students in premier engineering institutions. This initiative bridges the gap between school education and engineering entrance examinations. It provides free offline and online courses, virtual weekend contact classes, and study material to eligible girl students in classes 11 and 12, preparing them for admission tests to engineering colleges.
Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY)
As a part of the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao campaign, the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY) is a deposit scheme initiated by the Ministry of Finance. This scheme helps parents or legal guardians of a girl child save for her education and marriage expenses. With an interest rate of 8% and a maturity period of 21 years, this scheme encourages systematic deposits, with a minimum annual investment of ₹250 and a maximum of ₹1,50,000.
National Scheme of Incentive for the Girls of Secondary Education
Launched in 2008, the National Scheme of Incentive for the Girls of Secondary Education (NSIGSE) aims to promote enrollment and reduce dropout rates among girls belonging to SC/ST communities in secondary schools. It covers girls who pass class VIII and those from Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas who enroll in class IX. Eligible girls receive a fixed deposit of ₹3000 upon enrollment in class IX, which can be withdrawn with interest after attaining 18 years of age and passing the Class X examination.
Balika Samridhhi Yojana
Introduced in 1997 by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, the Balika Samridhhi Yojana assists girls from Below Poverty Line (BPL) families. Under this scheme, ₹500 is granted to the mother on the birth of a girl child, and annual scholarships are provided for the child’s education. This financial assistance aims to uplift and empower girls from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is National Girl Child Day?
National Girl Child Day is celebrated on January 24 each year to raise awareness about the rights of girl children and the challenges they face.
What is the aim of the Beti Bacho, Beti Padhao scheme?
The aim of the Beti Bacho, Beti Padhao scheme is to address the declining child sex ratio, ensure the survival and protection of girl children, and promote their education and participation.
How does the CBSE Udaan scheme empower female students?
The CBSE Udaan scheme provides free courses, virtual contact classes, and study material to eligible girl students, preparing them for admission tests to premier engineering institutions.
What is the objective of the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana?
The Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana aims to help parents or legal guardians save for the education and marriage expenses of a girl child through systematic deposits.
Who benefits from the Balika Samridhhi Yojana?
The Balika Samridhhi Yojana provides financial assistance to girls from Below Poverty Line (BPL) families, including a grant to the mother on the birth of a girl child and annual scholarships for the child’s education.
In conclusion, the Government of India has implemented various schemes to empower and uplift girl children in the country. These initiatives focus on education, financial assistance, and creating an enabling environment for their overall development. Through these efforts, the government aims to ensure that every girl child has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive, contributing to the progress of the nation.