Learn about Balika Samridhi Yojana (BSY), a government scheme aimed at empowering and providing financial aid to girl children from economically weaker sections. Find eligibility criteria, benefits, and how to apply.
Balika Samridhi Yojana
Balika Samridhi Yojana (BSY) is a government scheme in India that aims to uplift the status of the girl child and support their education. Launched on 2nd October 1997, the scheme focuses on providing financial assistance to families living below the poverty line (BPL) to encourage the education and development of their girl children. The scheme covers two girl children per family, born on or after 15th August 1997, and provides various benefits to ensure their well-being.
Purpose of Balika Samridhi Yojana
The scheme aims to achieve the following objectives:
- The main objective of Balika Samridhi Yojana is to address gender inequality and empower the girl child through education and financial support.
- By providing financial assistance and scholarships, the scheme aims to create a positive impact on the lives of girl children and their families.
- Change the societal attitude towards the birth of a girl child and the mother of the child.
- Improve the enrollment and retention of girl children in primary and secondary schools.
- Support the upbringing of girls until the legal age of marriage.
- Provide assistance to girls for income-generating activities
Recent Changes in Balika Samridhi Yojana
As of now, there have been no significant recent changes reported in the Balika Samridhi Yojana. However, it is important to stay updated with the latest government announcements and notifications regarding the scheme.
Balika Samridhi Application Form
To apply for the Balika Samridhi Yojana, interested individuals can obtain the application form from the designated authorities or official government websites. The application form requires essential details such as the name of the girl child, date of birth, family income, address, and other relevant information. It is crucial to fill the application form accurately and attach the necessary documents for successful registration.
Features and Benefits of Balika Samridhi Yojana
The Balika Samridhi Yojana offers several features and benefits to eligible beneficiaries:
- Post-Birth Grant: Under the scheme, The first installment is given to the mother at the time of the girl child’s birth, consisting of a one-time grant of Rs. 500.
- Annual Scholarship: Once the girl child starts attending school, she becomes eligible for an annual scholarship. The scholarship amount varies based on the class in which the girl child is studying, ranging from Rs. 300 to Rs. 1,000 per annum.
- Girl Child Development Account: The scheme provides for the opening of a Girl Child Development Account in the name of the beneficiary. Financial assistance is deposited into this account to support the girl’s education and development.
- Encouragement for Higher Education: The scheme aims to motivate girls to pursue higher education by providing financial support during their school years. This support enables them to continue their studies and build a brighter future.
- Empowering Families: By providing financial assistance, the scheme aims to uplift families living below the poverty line and improve their overall well-being.
- Encouraging Positive Change: Balika Samridhi Yojana plays a significant role in changing negative attitudes towards the girl child and promoting gender equality through education and empowerment.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the Balika Samridhi Yojana, the following criteria must be met:
- Family Income: The girl child should belong to a family living below the poverty line (BPL) as per the government’s defined criteria i.e; The parents of eligible girl children should not have an annual income higher than Rs. 2,00,000
- Date of Birth: The girl child should be born on or after 15th August 1997.
Who is not Eligible
The Balika Samridhi Yojana is specifically designed to support families living below the poverty line and empower girl children from these families. Therefore, individuals or families who do not meet the BPL criteria are not eligible for the scheme.
Balika Samridhi Yojana- Terms and Conditions
The Balika Samridhi Yojana has certain terms and conditions:
- The financial assistance should be credited directly to an interest-bearing bank account of the beneficiary girl child, preferably a Public Provident Fund or National Saving Certificate account.
- Part of the assistance can be used for payment of the premium for an insurance policy under the Bhagyashri Balika Kalyan Bima Yojana.
- The assistance can also be used for the purchase of uniforms or textbooks for the beneficiary.
- The standing amount in the account can be withdrawn by the beneficiary girl child upon reaching the age of 18 years, if unmarried and with a certificate from the Municipal or Gram Panchayat.
- If the girl child is married before the age of 18 years, she is entitled to the initial financial assistance of Rs. 500 only, along with interest accrued on the amount. The second installment and its accrued interest will be forfeited.
- A certificate of completion of education is required for complete withdrawal of the amount in the account. If education is not completed, only the first installment amount will be provided.
How to Register for Balika Samridhi Yojana
To register for the Balika Samridhi Yojana, follow the steps below:
- Obtain the Application Form: Get the Balika Samridhi Yojana application form from the designated authorities or official government websites such as Gram Panchayats or Municipalities.
- Fill in the Required Details: Fill in the application form with accurate information such as the name of the girl child, date of birth, family income, and address.
- Attach Supporting Documents: Attach the necessary documents, which may include proof of income, birth certificate of the girl child, and identification proof of the parents or guardians.
- Submit the Application: Submit the completed application form along with the required documents to the designated authorities.
Documents Required for Balika Samridhi Yojana Registration
The following documents are typically required for Balika Samridhi Yojana registration:
- Birth certificate of the girl child
- Proof of family income (such as an income certificate)
- Identification proof of the parents or guardians
- Address proof
- Any other documents as specified by the authorities
How to Check the Beneficiaries’ Status
To check the status of Balika Samridhi Yojana beneficiaries, you can visit the official government websites or contact the designated authorities. The government usually provides an online portal or helpline number for beneficiaries to inquire about their application status.
Balika Samridhi Yojana – FAQs
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What is the objective of Balika Samridhi Yojana?
The objective of Balika Samridhi Yojana is to uplift the status of the girl child and promote their education and development.
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Who is eligible for Balika Samridhi Yojana?
Girl children from families living below the poverty line (BPL) and born on or after 15th August 1997 are eligible for the scheme.
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What are the benefits of Balika Samridhi Yojana?
The scheme provides a post-birth grant, annual scholarships, and encourages higher education among eligible girl children. It aims to empower families and promote positive societal changes.
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How can I apply for Balika Samridhi Yojana?
To apply for the scheme, obtain the application form from the designated authorities, fill in the required details, attach the necessary documents, and submit the application to the authorities.
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What documents are required for Balika Samridhi Yojana registration?
The required documents may include the girl child’s birth certificate, proof of family income, identification proof of parents or guardians, and address proof.