The Haryana Government has taken a significant step towards the empowerment of girls with the Aapki Beti Hamari Beti Yojana. Launched by the Department of Women and Child Development on 24th August 2015, this scheme aims to improve the societal attitude towards the birth of a girl child. By providing financial assistance, the scheme ensures that every girl in the state has access to education and a secure future.
Objectives
- Changing societal attitudes – Encouraging families to welcome the birth of a girl child.
- Improving child sex ratio – Reducing gender disparity in Haryana.
- Enhancing education and retention – Supporting girls to enroll and continue their education.
- Increasing marriage age – Discouraging early marriage and promoting a future with better opportunities.
- Ensuring survival, health, and education – Providing financial support to ensure a secure future for girls.
Coverage and Eligibility Criteria
The scheme is designed to benefit families across Haryana, both in rural and urban areas. The key eligibility criteria include:
- For the first girl child:
- Families belonging to the Scheduled Caste (SC) category or those under the Below Poverty Line (BPL) are eligible.
- For the second girl child:
- Any family, regardless of caste, creed, religion, or income, qualifies for benefits.
- For twin/multiple girl children:
- In case of twins or multiple girls born on or after 22nd January 2015, all girls will receive financial aid.
- For second girl children born on or before 21st January 2015:
- Benefits as per the previous Ladli scheme are applicable.
- Other Requirements:
- At least one parent and the girl child must be residents of Haryana.
- The birth of the girl child must be registered.
- The girl child must have an Aadhaar number (parents’ Aadhaar accepted at the time of enrolment).
- The parents must ensure timely immunization of the child.
Financial Benefits
The scheme provides financial support to eligible girl children as follows:
- ₹21,000 is invested through LIC for:
- The first girl child of SC/BPL families.
- The second girl child of any family in Haryana.
- For twins/multiple girls, ₹21,000 is invested per child.
- For second girl children born on or before 21st January 2015 (under the erstwhile Ladli scheme):
- ₹5,000 per annum for five years is given.
- For twins/multiple girls born before 21st January 2015:
- ₹2,500 per annum for five years is provided.
The funds are deposited in LIC in the girl’s name and will be available to her when she turns 18 years old, provided she remains unmarried.
Key Responsibilities
The implementation of this scheme involves multiple levels of monitoring:
- The Department of Women and Child Development, Haryana, oversees the entire process.
- Regular third-party audits ensure the fair distribution of benefits.
- The parents or guardians must keep the concerned authorities informed about any change in the child’s residential status.
Required Documents for Application
To apply for the scheme, families must submit the following documents:
- Aadhaar Card of the girl child and parents/guardian.
- Residence proof to confirm domicile in Haryana.
- Caste certificate (if applicable).
- Self-attested birth certificate of the girl child.
- Immunization card to verify health check-ups.
- Passport-size photographs of the beneficiary.
- BPL card (if applicable).
- Bank account details for fund transfer.
Withdrawal and Terms of the Scheme
The government has set strict guidelines to ensure the correct utilization of funds:
- If any false information is provided, the benefits will be withdrawn immediately.
- If the beneficiary marries before 18 years of age, she forfeits the scheme benefits.
- If the girl child passes away before 18 years, the funds will be returned to the government with interest.
- If the girl child passes away after 18 years, her parents/guardians can claim the benefit.