Empowering India’s Daughters: A Complete Guide to Government Schemes for Girl Children (2024–25)

India has witnessed a remarkable transformation in how society views and values its daughters. The mindset toward daughters in India is gradually shifting for the better — and government initiatives are helping accelerate this change. Today, the Government of India has introduced numerous progressive schemes that not only celebrate the girl child but also provide substantial financial security and educational opportunities. If you’re a parent looking to secure your daughter’s future, this comprehensive guide will walk you through the most beneficial government schemes for girl children available in 2024–25.

Why These Government Schemes for Girl Matter More Than Ever

Before diving into the specific schemes, it’s important to understand why these initiatives are game-changers for millions of Indian families.

According to the latest government data (as of November 2024), over 4.1 crore accounts have been opened under the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY) — reflecting the growing awareness and participation across the nation.

These government schemes for girl address critical issues like female literacy, gender discrimination, and financial independence, while giving parents peace of mind about their daughters’ education and marriage expenses.

1. Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY) – The Financial Security Net

If there’s one scheme every parent should know about, it’s the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana. Launched under the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao campaign, this small savings scheme has become the most popular financial instrument for girl children across India.

Current Interest Rate & Benefits (October–December 2024)

The scheme currently offers an attractive interest rate of 8.2% per annum, compounded annually — significantly higher than most Fixed Deposits and PPF accounts. It also provides triple tax benefits under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act. Estimated maturity values are based on current interest rates and may vary as rates are reviewed quarterly.

How It Works

• Open an SSY account with just ₹250 at any post office or authorized bank.
• Deposit up to ₹1.5 lakh annually for 15 years.
• The account matures when your daughter turns 21.

Example: If you invest ₹1 lakh every year, after 21 years, your maturity amount could reach approximately ₹47.88 lakh — a solid nest egg for your daughter’s education or marriage!

Eligibility

• Girl child below 10 years of age
• Only one account per girl child
• Maximum of two accounts per family

Parents can withdraw 50% of the balance for higher education once the girl turns 18, while the full amount becomes available when she turns 21.

2. Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) – Changing Mindsets, Building Futures

More than just a scheme, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao is a social movement that’s reshaping India’s attitude toward girl children.

Launched on January 22, 2015, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Panipat, Haryana, this campaign addresses the declining child sex ratio, promotes girls’ education, and prevents gender-based discrimination. While BBBP itself does not provide financial benefits to individuals, it drives policy action and awareness that support girls’ education and protection.

Key Impact Areas

• Improving the child sex ratio through strict monitoring
• Preventing female foeticide and gender bias
• Ensuring girls complete their education
• Creating awareness about the value of daughters

Though primarily an awareness campaign, BBBP works in tandem with SSY and other programs to deliver financial and social empowerment. Several states have since reported improved sex ratios and rising female literacy rates.

3. CBSE Udaan Scheme – Bridging the Engineering Gender Gap

The CBSE Udaan Scheme is specifically designed to increase female participation in engineering and technical education.

Benefits

• Free tablets preloaded with study material
• Online classes and mentorship programs
• Preparation support for IIT-JEE and other entrance exams
• Access to expert counseling and guidance

Eligibility

• Female students in Class 11–12 (Science stream)
• Enrolled in CBSE-affiliated schools
• From the economically weaker sections
• Strong academic record in Class 10

This initiative has helped thousands of bright young girls crack competitive exams, proving that financial constraints should never limit potential. While the earlier phases of Udaan supported girls, the scheme structure is being revised; parents should confirm current availability through CBSE notifications.

4. Balika Samridhi Yojana – Supporting Girls from Birth

This pioneering scheme targets girls born into families living below the poverty line (BPL), providing financial assistance from birth through education milestones.

Financial Support Structure

• ₹500 grant at birth
• Annual scholarships are as follows:
  
  • Classes 1–3: ₹300/year
  • Class 4: ₹500/year
  • Class 5: ₹600/year
  • Classes 6–7: ₹700/year
  • Class 8: ₹700/year
  • Classes 9–10: ₹1,000/year

This step-by-step support ensures that families do not face financial barriers to education, helping to reduce dropout rates among girls. This scheme is implemented only in selected districts through state nodal agencies.

5. State-Level Champions: Ladli Lakshmi Yojana & Kanya Sumangala Yojana

While central schemes form the backbone, several state governments have introduced their own successful programs.

Ladli Lakshmi Yojana

Implemented in Madhya Pradesh, Delhi, Goa, and other states, this scheme deposits ₹6,000 annually into a girl’s account for five consecutive years after registration.

When the girl turns 21, completes Class 12, and remains unmarried before 18, she receives ₹1 lakh for higher education or marriage — totaling benefits of ₹1,18,000.

Mukhyamantri Kanya Sumangala Yojana (Uttar Pradesh)

Launched in October 2019, this flagship UP scheme provides financial assistance of up to ₹25,000 (FY 2024–25) in six installments — from birth through graduation.

Eligibility

• Resident of Uttar Pradesh
• Annual family income below ₹3 lakh
• Maximum two children per family (with provision for twins in second delivery)

How to Choose the Right Scheme for Your Daughter

Many parents wonder which scheme to choose — but you don’t need to limit yourself to just one!

A Strategic Approach

• Start with Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana for long-term savings.
• Add state-level schemes for layered financial benefits.
• Explore education-based programs like Udaan if your daughter is academically inclined.

This multi-scheme strategy ensures both short-term and long-term empowerment.

Application Process Made Simple

For Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana

Visit your nearest post office or authorized bank with:

• Your daughter’s birth certificate
• Parent’s identity and address proof
• Initial deposit amount

For State-Level or Educational Schemes

Go to the respective state government portals or local administrative offices.
Most schemes now support online applications, making it convenient for parents across India.

The Real Impact: Stories of Transformation

These schemes aren’t just government plans — they are changing real lives.

From rural India, where girls now pursue higher education thanks to SSY funds, to urban centers where Udaan scholars crack top-tier engineering exams — the transformation is visible and inspiring.

Collectively, these initiatives have helped improve female literacy, education access, and financial independence across the country.

CRY India: Empowering Girls Beyond Government Schemes

At CRY – Child Rights and You, we believe every girl deserves equal opportunities to learn, grow, and dream freely.

Through our Girls’ Education Initiative, CRY works to ensure that every girl child has access to quality education, protection from child marriage and child labour, and the support needed to stay in school.

Our projects across India address critical issues like:

• Enrolling out-of-school girls and preventing dropouts
• Building safe learning environments for adolescent girls
• Mobilizing communities to challenge gender stereotypes
• Supporting access to government schemes for families in need

When you support CRY, you help bridge the gap between policy and real change — turning government initiatives into life-changing realities for India’s daughters.

Learn more or get involved: Support Girl Child Education

Looking Ahead: The Future of Girl Child Welfare

As we progress through 2024–25, the government continues to strengthen these programs. With increased digital accessibility and community awareness, more families are participating than ever before.

These government schemes for girls are not just about financial support — they represent India’s commitment to gender equality and empowerment.