India’s National Girl Child Day, celebrated annually on January 24th, shines a light on the crucial need to empower girls and address the challenges they face. Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized this commitment, highlighting the government’s decade-long efforts to build a nation where every girl thrives.
Here are a look at 5 girl child schemes introduced by the government:
Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao: Championing Girl’s Education and Equality
Launched in 2015, the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao (Save the Girl Child, Educate the Girl Child) scheme tackles the declining Child Sex Ratio and empowers girls across the country. This multi-ministerial initiative focuses on preventing gender-biased sex selection, ensuring girl child survival and protection, and promoting their education and participation in society.
CBSE Udaan Scheme: Soaring High in Engineering
Aiming to bridge the gender gap in prestigious engineering institutions, the CBSE Udaan scheme empowers girl students. Launched by the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), it provides free online and offline courses, study materials, and expert guidance to prepare for engineering entrance exams while still in classes 11 and 12.
Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana: Building a Brighter Future
The Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY), a part of the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao campaign, offers a high-interest savings scheme specifically for girl children. With a maturity period of 21 years and an attractive 8% interest rate, parents or guardians can invest in their daughter’s future, ensuring funds for her education and marriage.
National Scheme of Incentive for Girls of Secondary Education: Closing the Gap
The National Scheme of Incentive to Girls for Secondary Education (NSIGSE) was launched in 2008 to address the educational disparities faced by girls from Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) communities. The scheme incentivizes their enrollment and retention in secondary schools by providing financial assistance until they reach 18 years of age.
Balika Samridhhi Yojana: Uplifting Girls from Poverty
Introduced in 1997, the Balika Samridhhi Yojana targets girls from Below Poverty Line (BPL) families. The scheme offers a one-time grant of ₹500 to the mother upon the girl’s birth, followed by annual scholarships to support her education, empowering her to break free from the cycle of poverty.
These government schemes offer a beacon of hope for India’s girl children, paving the way for a brighter future where they can reach their full potential and contribute meaningfully to society.
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