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Launched by the Central Government in 1997, Balika Samriddhi Yojana (BSY) aims to empower girl children as part of the Women & Child Development framework. This scheme is a key initiative supporting girl child birth and education.

BSY provides financial assistance to girls born into families below the poverty line (BPL), as defined by the Government of India. The scheme covers both urban and rural areas and applies to girls born on or after August 15, 1997.

What is Balika Samriddhi Yojana?

The Balika Samriddhi Yojana (BSY) is a flagship initiative by the Government of India, launched under the Ministry of Women and Child Development in 1997. The scheme aims to improve the socio-economic status of girl children in Below Poverty Line (BPL) families by providing financial assistance at birth and scholarships for education. It also seeks to reduce gender discrimination, promote girl child education, and discourage child marriage.

Balika Samriddhi Yojana Launch Date

The scheme of Balika Samriddhi Yojana was launched on 2nd October 1997 with the objective of raising the overall status of the girl-child and bringing about a positive change in family and community attitudes. The scheme covers up two girl children born on or after 15th August 1997 in a family living below poverty line as defined by the Government of India.

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Balika Samriddhi Yojana Objectives

The key objectives of BSY include:

• Encouraging the birth and survival of girl children in BPL families.
• Promoting education by providing scholarships to reduce dropout rates.
• Reducing gender bias and improving societal attitudes towards girls.
• Preventing child marriage by linking financial benefits to education.
• Enhancing financial literacy and long-term savings for girls’ future needs.

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Balika Samriddhi Yojana Eligibility

To avail of BSY benefits, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Rural Areas: Families classified as BPL under the Swarnajayanti Gram Swarozgar Yojana are eligible.

Urban Areas: Coverage extends to families living in urban slums, regardless of identification.

Occupational Coverage: Families engaged in vegetable and fruit selling, rag-picking, pavement vending, and similar occupations qualify.

Verification Process: Surveys are conducted to assess BPL status, and beneficiaries are listed under the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS).

Beneficiary Criteria: The scheme benefits girl children born on or after August 15, 1997, belonging to BPL families.

Family Limit: A maximum of two girls per family can receive benefits, regardless of the total number of children.

Urban slum dwellers, street vendors, and rag-pickers are also eligible if they meet BPL criteria

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Balika Samriddhi Yojana Benefits

BSY provides two types of financial assistance:

1. Post-Birth Grant

• A one-time payment of ₹500 is given to the mother after the girl’s birth17.

2. Annual Scholarships

• Scholarships are provided from Class 1 to Class 10 to encourage school retention:

• The scholarship amount is deposited into an interest-bearing account (NSC/PPF) in the girl’s name.
• Withdrawal is allowed only after she turns 18, provided she remains unmarried. If married before 18, she forfeits the scholarship but retains the birth grant15.

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Balika Samriddhi Yojana Application Process

The application process is offline and involves the following steps:

1. Obtain the Application Form
   • Rural areas: Collect from Anganwadi workers or Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) centers.
   • Urban areas: Obtain from municipal health departments47.
2. Submit Required Documents
   • Birth certificate of the girl child.
   • BPL ration card or income certificate.
   • Address proof (Aadhaar, voter ID, electricity bill).
   • Parent/guardian’s identity proof (PAN, passport, voter ID)5.
3. Submit the Form
   • Submit the completed form to the local Anganwadi center (rural) or municipal office (urban).
4. Verification & Disbursement
   • After verification, funds are deposited into a bank/post office account in the girl’s name4.

Balika Samriddhi Yojana Required Documents

Applicants must submit the following documents:

• Birth Certificate: Issued by the hospital or a government authority.
• Address Proof of Parents/Guardians: Accepted documents include a driving license, passport, electricity or telephone bill, ration card, voter ID, or any other government-issued proof.
• Identity Proof of Parents/Guardians: Acceptable documents include PAN card, passport, voter ID, matriculation certificate, or any other government-issued ID.

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Balika Samriddhi Yojana Additional Guidelines

• The grant amount will be deposited into an interest-bearing account in the name of the girl child.
• Funds should be placed in savings instruments that offer the highest possible returns, such as NSC or PPF.
• A portion of the post-birth grant and educational scholarship may be used to pay insurance premiums under the Bhagyashri Balika Kalyan Bima Yojana.
• Scholarship funds may also be used for purchasing uniforms, textbooks, and other educational materials, while the remaining amount is deposited in the girl’s account.
• At 18 years of age, the girl can withdraw funds upon obtaining an unmarried status certificate from the Municipality or Gram Panchayat.
• If the girl marries before 18, she forfeits the annual scholarship and accrued interest, receiving only the Rs. 500 post-birth grant with interest.
• If the girl passes away before turning 18, the entire accumulated amount can be withdrawn.

Balika Samriddhi Yojana Impacts

• Increased school enrollment among girls in rural and urban BPL families.
• Reduced dropout rates, particularly in secondary education.
• Improved financial security for girls through long-term savings.
• Enhanced awareness about the importance of educating girls212.

Comparison with Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY)

The Balika Samriddhi Yojana remains a critical scheme for girl child welfare in India, particularly for economically disadvantaged families. By combining birth grants, education scholarships, and long-term savings, it addresses gender inequality and promotes financial independence for girls. Eligible families should apply early to maximize benefits.

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