How Government Schemes for Girl Child Support Education and Healthcare

Introduction

In India, the socio-economic advancement of the girl child has been a long-standing issue due to cultural, economic, and social factors. Over the years, the government has implemented various schemes aimed at promoting the welfare of girl children, focusing on areas like education and healthcare to aid in their development and empowerment. This article explores several critical government schemes for girl child support, with a primary focus on initiatives such as the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana.

 Government Schemes for Girl Child

 Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY)

Launched under the ‘Beti Bachao Beti Padhao’ campaign, the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY) is a small saving scheme specifically designed for girl children. It aims to secure the future of the girl child by offering a high-interest yielding account. Parents or guardians can open this account in the name of their girl child until she reaches the age of 10.

 

Let’s consider an example: If ₹1,500 is deposited monthly in an SSY account over 14 years, the total deposit will amount to ₹252,000. Assuming an annual interest rate of 7.6%, the maturity amount would be approximately ₹607,128 at the end of 21 years.

 Features of Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana

• Interest Rates: The scheme offers a competitive interest rate that is subject to periodic revisions. As of now, the interest rate is 7.6% per annum.
• Tax Benefits: Contributions to the SSY qualify for tax deductions under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act, 1961.
• Account Maturity: The account matures after 21 years from the date of opening or upon the girl’s marriage after 18 years of age, whichever is earlier.
• Maximum and Minimum Contributions: The minimum deposit required to open the account is ₹250, and the maximum annual deposit limit is ₹1.5 lakh.

 Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP)

The Beti Bachao Beti Padhao initiative aims to address issues of declining child sex ratios and to empower girls through education and health awareness. It is a joint initiative by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, and the Ministry of Human Resource Development.

 Key Objectives of BBBP

• Prevention of gender-biased sex selective elimination.
• Ensuring survival and protection of the girl child.
• Ensuring education and participation of the girl child.

 Balika Samridhi Yojana

The Balika Samridhi Yojana (BSY) was introduced to offer financial assistance and incentives for the education of girl children in economically weaker sections of society.

 Key Features of BSY

• Fixed Deposit upon Birth: A fixed deposit of ₹500 is provided to the girl child at birth.
• Scholarship: Annual scholarships range from ₹300 to ₹1,000 per year up to the 12th grade.
• Objective: To reduce dropout rates and encourage the education of girl children.

 Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya (KGBV)

Launched in 2004, Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya (KGBV) targets girls from disadvantaged groups by providing quality education at the upper primary level (Class 6 to 8) in rural areas.

 Features of KGBV

• Residential Schools: The scheme involves establishing residential schools to accommodate girls from marginalized communities.
• Inclusive Education: It addresses the needs of girls from Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backwards Classes, and minority communities.
• Teachers and Curriculum: Focused on providing quality education through trained teachers and an inclusive curriculum.

National Scheme of Incentive to Girls for Secondary Education (NSIGSE)

NSIGSE targets girl students of secondary school level, particularly focusing on those studying in classes IX and X.

 Benefits of NSIGSE

• Financial Incentives: The scheme offers a one-time grant of ₹3,000 to girl students, which can be withdrawn after completing class 10 and attaining the age of 18.
• Target Beneficiaries: SC/ST girls who pass class VIII examination and Enrolled in class IX in Government, Government-aided, and Local Body Schools and all girls from Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas, irrespective of their category.

Healthcare Initiatives for Girl Child

Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram (RKSK)

Launched in 2014, RKSK aims to address the health and nutrition needs of adolescents, focusing prominently on girl children.

 Key Components of RKSK

• Nutrition: Focus on anemia control through distribution of Iron and Folic Acid tablets.
• Sanitary Health: Health education on menstrual hygiene and provision of sanitary napkins.
• Reproductive Health: Counselling and services regarding reproductive health.

 Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY)

JSY is aimed at reducing maternal and neonatal mortality by promoting institutional deliveries by providing financial incentives to pregnant women.

 Incentives under JSY

• Financial Aid: Rural women receive ₹1,400, while urban women get ₹1,000 after institutional delivery.
• Healthcare Support: Ensures better pre-natal and ante-natal care for expectant mothers.

Conclusion

Government schemes for the girl child in India have significantly contributed to their well-being by improving educational opportunities and healthcare access. Initiatives like Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Balika Samridhi Yojana, Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya, and various healthcare programs have created a positive impact on the socio-economic status of girl children.

Summary

Government schemes for girl child support in India cover both educational and healthcare aspects, with notable initiatives including the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana under the financial schemes and healthcare initiatives such as Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram. These programs aim to uplift the girl child’s status through better access to education and healthcare, directly impacting their socio-economic development. The Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana, with a current interest rate of 7.6% and significant tax benefits, offers a promising investment for parents aiming to secure their girl’s future. However, it is imperative to carefully consider all financial implications and benefits when opting for any investment in government schemes.

Disclaimer: 

Investors must gauge all the pros and cons of trading in the Indian financial market before taking any decision. The information presented is for educational purposes and should not be used as financial advice.