Empowering the girl child is central to India’s progress toward gender equality. According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5, 2021), India’s child sex ratio has improved to 929 girls per 1,000 boys, but gender gaps in education, nutrition, and safety persist.
To bridge these gaps, the Government of India and several state governments have introduced welfare schemes focusing on protection, education, health, and financial empowerment of girls. Below is an updated overview (as of October 2025) of the most significant central and state-level initiatives.
(Information verified from official portals including the Ministry of Women and Child Development, Ministry of Education, and MyScheme)
The Central Government of India has launched various schemes to improve the survival, education, and empowerment of girls. These programs are rolled out to spread awareness, provide financial incentives, and ensure access to education, healthcare, and skills.
The Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) Scheme, launched on 22 January 2015 by the Government of India, aims to address declining child sex ratios and promote education for girls. Implemented jointly by the Ministries of Women and Child Development, Health and Family Welfare, and Education, it focuses on awareness, advocacy, and community mobilization rather than direct financial aid.
While BBBP does not provide direct financial incentives, its impact has been largely in awareness creation. As per the MoWCD’s 2023 report, more than 400 districts recorded improvement in sex ratio at birth after intensive BBBP campaigns. However, independent audits highlight uneven implementation across states—an area for policy improvement.
To improve the child sex ratio and promote girls’ education.
National media campaigns, community mobilisation, and public engagement.
Jointly run by the Ministries of Women & Child Development, Health, and Education through district task forces.
The Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY) was introduced by the Government of India in January 2015 as part of the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao campaign. SSY is a small savings scheme which aims to promote the economic support and education of the girl child. To get the benefits of this scheme, parents or guardians can open an account in the name of a girl child below the age of 10 and deposit a minimum amount annually, which earns attractive interest rates set by the government.
This scheme offers tax benefits under Section 80C, and the accumulated corpus can be used for the girl’s higher education or marriage after she turns 18. The account matures after 21 years from the date of opening, and hence it provides long-term financial empowerment for the girl. One account per girl; up to two accounts per family allowed. As of Q3 FY 2025-26, the SSY interest rate is 8.2% p.a., compounded annually (Source: Ministry of Finance, 2025).
To encourage long-term financial savings for girls’ education and marriage.
Promoted via banks, post offices, and government financial campaigns.
Tax-free accounts opened for girls under 10 years in banks and post offices.
The National Scheme of Incentive to Girls for Secondary Education (NSIGSE) was initiated by the Government of India in May 2008 as an initiative which aims to promote the enrollment and retention of girl children in secondary education, specifically those from the Scheduled Castes (SC) and the Scheduled Tribes (ST).
NSIGSE provides a one-time financial incentive of ₹3,000 to eligible girls who have passed their Class 8th examination and enrolled in Class 9th in a government or recognised private school. The incentive is deposited in a fixed deposit account in the name of the beneficiary and becomes payable along with accrued interest upon the completion of Class 10th and attainment of 18 years of age. This scheme is implemented through the National Scholarship Portal (NSP) and is intended to encourage girls to continue their education and reduce dropout rates at the secondary level. (Department of School Education)
To promote secondary education among SC/ST girls.
Targeted campaigns in disadvantaged communities.
Fixed deposits created for girls enrolling in class IX.
The CBSE Udaan Scheme was launched by the Central Board of Secondary Education on 14 November 2014, under the Ministry of Education. Its primary aim is to empower meritorious girl students from economically weaker backgrounds to pursue higher education in science and engineering fields. The scheme provides free online and offline resources, which include virtual classes, study materials, pre-loaded tablets, mentoring, and counselling to help students prepare for competitive exams like JEE Main and Advanced.
Indian girl students enrolled in Class 11 with at least 70% marks in Class 10, especially in science subjects, and a family income below ₹6 lakh per year, are eligible for CBSE Udaan Scheme. This program intends to bridge the gender gap in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education and encourage higher participation of women in technical fields.
To increase female participation in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) education.
Encouraging girls to pursue technical careers.
Free resources and mentoring provided by CBSE.
The CBSE Merit Scholarship for Single Girl Child was introduced by the Central Board of Secondary Education in 2006 to encourage the education of only girl children who have performed exceptionally in their Class X examinations. This scheme goals to recognise and support parents in promoting girls’ education while providing financial support to meritorious girl students. Students eligible for this scholarship are Indian girls who are the only child of their parents and have secured at least 60% marks in Class X, continuing their education in Class XI and XII in a CBSE-affiliated school.
Only selected students receive a monthly scholarship of ₹500 for up to two years, subject to maintaining a minimum of 50% marks in Class XI for renewal. The tuition fee criteria for Indian students is up to ₹1,500 per month, while for NRI students it is up to ₹6,000 per month. Applications for this scholarship are submitted online through the CBSE scholarship portal, along with academic records and an affidavit confirming that the applicant is the only child. This scheme helps to promote gender equality by supporting the education of single girl children.
To promote the education of single girl children.
Highlighting the benefits of educating the only daughter.
Scholarships awarded based on Class X board results.
The Pragati Scholarship Scheme was rolled out by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) under the Ministry of Education to support meritorious girl students pursuing technical education. The scheme aims to encourage female students to enroll in diploma and degree courses in AICTE-approved institutions. Eligible students are Indian girls who have secured admission in the first year of a degree or diploma course, or in the second year through lateral entry.
The scholarship provides financial assistance of ₹50,000 per year for a maximum of 3 years for diploma courses and 4 years for degree courses. Applicants must have a family income of less than ₹8 lakh per annum. A total of 5,000 scholarships are offered annually, with 3,000 for degree courses and 2,000 for diploma courses. Applications are submitted online through the National Scholarship Portal during the specified period. The scheme helps reduce dropout rates among female students in technical education and promotes gender equality in the field.
To support higher education for girls in technical fields.
Promoting technical and professional education for girls.
Scholarships disbursed through AICTE institutions.
The Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya (KGBV) scheme was launched by the Ministry of Education, Government of India, in 2004 to promote education among girls from disadvantaged communities. The scheme aims to provide quality residential schooling for girls belonging to Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, minority communities, and families below the poverty line, particularly in educationally backward blocks.
Under KGBV, the government provides free education, boarding, lodging, and learning materials to the students. The program focuses on reducing dropout rates, preventing early marriages, and improving literacy and educational outcomes for girls. Implemented through state governments and union territories, KGBV has played a significant role in enhancing access to secondary education for marginalised girls.
To improve educational access for disadvantaged girls.
Reaching marginalised communities with education opportunities.
Residential schools in educationally backward areas.
The SABLA (Adolescent Girls Empowerment Scheme) was launched by the Ministry of Women and Child Development in 2010 to empower adolescent girls aged 11 to 18 years. The scheme aims to improve the health, nutrition, and overall development of girls while promoting their education, life skills, and awareness of health and hygiene. Under SABLA, beneficiaries receive supplementary nutrition, health check-ups, counselling, and vocational training, along with life skills education. The program is implemented through Anganwadi centres and focuses on reducing school dropout rates, preventing child marriages, and enabling girls to become self-reliant and informed members of society.
To enhance the nutrition, health, and life skills of adolescent girls.
Community outreach on health and empowerment.
Programs run through Anganwadi centres under ICDS.
The Kishori Shakti Yojana (KSY) was launched by the Ministry of Women and Child Development in 2000 to support the holistic development of adolescent girls aged 11 to 18 years. The scheme aims to enhance the health, nutrition, education, and life skills of girls, particularly those from disadvantaged communities. Under KSY, beneficiaries receive supplementary nutrition, health check-ups, vocational training, and guidance on health, hygiene, and social issues. The program is implemented through Anganwadi centres and focuses on reducing school dropouts, preventing early marriages, and empowering girls to become self-reliant and confident members of society.
To make adolescent girls self-reliant through training and education.
Vocational skills, nutrition, and life skills.
Delivered via Anganwadi centres with state support.
The Rashtriya Kishori Swasthya Karyakram (RKSK) was launched by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in 2014 to improve the health and well-being of adolescent girls and boys aged 10 to 19 years. The scheme focuses on providing comprehensive health services, including nutrition, mental health support, sexual and reproductive health education, and prevention of substance abuse. Under RKSK, adolescents receive counselling, health check-ups, iron and folic acid supplementation, and access to peer educators and adolescent-friendly health clinics. Implemented through schools, community centres, and health facilities, the program aims to reduce malnutrition, promote healthy behaviours, and empower adolescents to make informed decisions about their health.
To improve adolescent health and well-being.
Nutrition, reproductive health, and mental health education.
Adolescent-friendly health clinics and a peer educator model under NHM.
States have developed their own programs to complement central initiatives, ensuring that local challenges and cultural needs are addressed effectively.
The Ladli Laxmi Yojana was launched by the Government of Madhya Pradesh in 2007 to promote the welfare and education of girl children. The scheme aims to improve the status of girls, prevent female foeticide, and encourage families to invest in their daughters’ education.
Under the program, financial incentives are provided to parents at key stages of a girl’s life, including at birth, school enrollment, and completion of secondary education, with the total assistance maturing when the girl turns 21. The scheme is implemented through state government departments, and funds are directly transferred to the beneficiaries’ accounts. Ladli Laxmi Yojana has contributed to enhancing educational opportunities and social protection for girls in the state.
Support girls’ education and marriage.
Village-level awareness drives in rural areas.
Financial assistance through government funds.
The Kanyashree Prakalpa was launched by the Government of West Bengal in 2013 to improve the status and well-being of adolescent girls. The scheme aims to promote education, prevent early marriages, and empower girls from disadvantaged families. Under Kanyashree, girls aged 13 to 18 receive an annual scholarship, and those turning 18 while still in school receive a one-time grant, provided they remain unmarried and continue their education.
The program is implemented through state education and social welfare departments, with funds directly transferred to beneficiaries’ bank accounts. Kanyashree has played a significant role in increasing school retention and delaying marriages among girls in West Bengal. As of 2024, more than 70 lakh girls have benefited from the Kanyashree program, which earned the UN Public Service Award in 2017.
Prevent child marriage and promote higher education.
Information campaigns in schools and communities.
Direct cash benefits linked with educational milestones.
The Kanya Sumangala Yojana was launched by the Government of Uttar Pradesh in 2016 to support the health, education, and overall development of girl children. The scheme aims to improve the survival, nutrition, and educational opportunities of girls, especially in economically weaker families.
The initiative provides financial assistance to parents at key stages of a girl’s life, including at birth, immunisation milestones, school enrollment, and completion of secondary education. The scheme is implemented through state health and social welfare departments, with funds directly transferred to beneficiaries’ accounts. Kanya Sumangala Yojana helps reduce gender disparities and encourages families to invest in their daughters’ future.
Promote continuous education for girls from birth to adulthood.
Online campaigns and local awareness camps.
Online applications with staged financial benefits.
The Mukhyamantri Rajshri Yojana was launched by the Government of Rajasthan in 2007 to improve the welfare and education of girl children. The scheme aims to prevent female foeticide, promote girl-child education, and provide financial security to families.
Under the program, financial incentives are given to parents at key stages of a girl’s life, including at birth, school enrollment, and completion of secondary education, with the total benefit paid when the girl turns 18. The scheme is implemented through state health and education departments, with funds directly transferred to beneficiaries’ accounts. Mukhyamantri Rajshri Yojana has contributed to increasing school enrollment and empowering girls in Rajasthan.
Support girls’ education throughout life stages.
Local campaigns to encourage schooling.
Financial incentives provided in installments.
The Ladli Scheme was introduced by the Government of Haryana in 2007 to improve the status and well-being of girl children in the state. The program aims to encourage families to invest in their daughters’ education and prevent gender-based discrimination.
Under the scheme, financial incentives are provided at key stages of a girl’s life, including at birth, school enrollment, and completion of secondary education, with the full amount paid when she reaches 18 years of age. The scheme is implemented through state social welfare and education departments, with funds directly transferred to beneficiaries’ accounts. The Ladli Scheme has helped increase school enrollment and awareness about the importance of girls’ education in Haryana.
Reduce female foeticide and promote education.
Campaigns highlighting the value of daughters.
Financial deposits made at key stages in a girl’s life.
The Mukhyamantri Kanya Suraksha Yojana was introduced by the Government of Bihar in 2006 to enhance the welfare and protection of girl children. The scheme provides conditional cash transfers at key life stages — from birth to higher education — to encourage families to educate their daughters and delay early marriage.
This program ensures financial assistance is given at key stages of a girl’s life, including at birth, school enrollment, and completion of secondary education, with the total benefit provided when she turns 18. The scheme is implemented through state health and social welfare departments, with funds directly transferred to the beneficiaries’ accounts. It has contributed to improving school enrollment and empowering girls across Bihar.
Secure education and delay child marriage.
Rural outreach on the benefits of girls' education.
Bonds issued at birth and redeemed on maturity.
The Nanda Devi Kanya Yojana was introduced by the Government of Uttarakhand in 2008 to promote the welfare and education of girl children in the state. The scheme aims to encourage families to invest in their daughters’ upbringing and prevent gender-based discrimination.
Under the program, financial assistance is provided at key stages of a girl’s life, including at birth, school enrollment, and completion of secondary education, with the full benefit disbursed when she turns 18. The scheme is implemented through state social welfare and education departments, with funds directly transferred to beneficiaries’ accounts. Nanda Devi Kanya Yojana has helped improve school enrollment and empower girls across Uttarakhand.
Provide financial stability and promote education.
Outreach to poor and rural families.
Fixed deposits managed through government banks.
The Delhi Ladli Scheme was introduced by the Government of Delhi in 2008 to improve the status and education of girl children in the capital. The scheme aims to prevent female foeticide, encourage families to invest in their daughters’ education, and provide financial security. Under the program, families receive financial assistance at key stages of a girl’s life, including at birth, school enrollment, and completion of secondary education, with the full benefit payable when she turns 21.
The scheme is implemented through state social welfare and education departments, with funds directly transferred to beneficiaries’ accounts. The Delhi Ladli Scheme has contributed to increasing school enrollment and promoting awareness about girls’ education in Delhi.
Promote education and reduce child marriage.
School-level awareness programs and campaigns.
Conditional financial assistance linked with schooling.
The Mazi Kanya Bhagyashree Scheme was introduced by the Government of Maharashtra in 2001 to improve the welfare and education of girl children. The scheme aims to prevent female foeticide, encourage families to educate their daughters, and provide financial support at crucial stages of a girl’s life.
Under the program, financial assistance is given at birth, upon school enrollment, and upon completion of secondary education, with the full benefit provided when the girl turns 21. The scheme is implemented through state social welfare and education departments, with funds directly transferred to beneficiaries’ accounts. Mazi Kanya Bhagyashree Scheme has helped increase school enrollment and raise awareness about the importance of girls’ education in Maharashtra.
Financial stability and higher education for girls.
Promoting savings and education for daughters.
Joint savings accounts with state financial support.
The Bangaru Thalli Scheme was introduced by the Government of Andhra Pradesh in 1997 to promote the welfare, education, and health of girl children in the state. The scheme aims to prevent female foeticide, encourage families to educate their daughters, and provide financial security at key stages of a girl’s life.
Under the program, financial assistance is provided at birth, school enrollment, and completion of secondary education, with the full benefit disbursed when the girl reaches 21 years of age. The scheme is implemented through state social welfare and education departments, with funds directly transferred to beneficiaries’ accounts. The Bangaru Thalli Scheme has contributed to increasing school enrollment and empowering girls across Andhra Pradesh.
Support the education, health, and welfare of girl children.
Community-level awareness drives.
Staged cash incentives disbursed across life stages.
The Tamil Nadu Chief Minister’s Girl Child Protection Scheme was introduced by the Government of Tamil Nadu in 1992 to enhance the welfare and education of girl children in the state. The scheme aims to prevent female foeticide, encourage families to educate their daughters, and provide financial support at important stages of a girl’s life.
Under the program, families receive financial assistance at birth, school enrollment, and completion of secondary education, with the full benefit provided when the girl turns 18. The scheme is implemented through state social welfare and education departments, with funds directly transferred to beneficiaries’ accounts. It has played a significant role in improving school enrollment and promoting the education and protection of girls in Tamil Nadu.
Prevent female infanticide and support education.
Awareness campaigns against gender bias.
Financial support provided via deposits in girls’ names.
The Karnataka Bhagyashree Scheme was introduced by the Government of Karnataka in 2001 to promote the welfare and education of girl children in the state. The scheme aims to prevent female foeticide, encourage families to invest in their daughters’ education, and provide financial security at key stages of a girl’s life.
Under the program, financial assistance is given at birth, school enrollment, and completion of secondary education, with the full benefit disbursed when the girl turns 20. The scheme is implemented through state social welfare and education departments, with funds directly transferred to beneficiaries’ accounts. The Karnataka Bhagyashree Scheme has helped improve school enrollment and empower girls across the state.
Promote the welfare and education of girl children in poor families.
Local awareness of financial incentives.
Deposits made into bank accounts for eligible girls.
Accessing government schemes for the girl child in India has become easier with both online and offline options. Families can now search, check eligibility, and apply for benefits using digital platforms or approach local authorities and institutions for assistance. Below are the key ways to access these schemes:
A centralised digital platform launched by the Government of India.
Each state also provides channels to access girl child welfare schemes.
Schemes include Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana, Balika Samriddhi Yojana, Ladli Laxmi Yojana, Kanya Sumangala Yojana, and Kanyashree Prakalpa.
Parents or guardians of a girl child below 10 years old can open an SSY account.
Yes, schemes like the CBSE Single Girl Child Scholarship and the UGC PG Indira Gandhi Scholarship support single girl children.
BBBP mainly funds awareness, education, and welfare initiatives, with benefits routed through linked state schemes.
Applications can be made through state welfare portals, local schools, Anganwadi centres, or municipal offices.
Yes, schemes like the National Scheme of Incentives to Girls for Secondary Education and Kanyashree Prakalpa support higher studies.
Some schemes allow benefits for up to two girl children, while others are limited to the first girl child.
Yes, the myScheme Portal and state-level portals provide eligibility checks and online applications.
Common documents include a birth certificate, an Aadhaar card, a domicile proof, an income certificate, and school enrollment records.
Most schemes are only for Indian residents, though NRIs can invest in the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana under certain conditions.
