Balika Samriddhi Yojana

Last Updated : March 2, 2024, 11:32 a.m.

Over the years, the government of India has implemented several schemes for the betterment and welfare of its citizens. One such scheme is the Balika Samriddhi Yojana, unveiled by the Central government in 1997. This initiative was particularly launched to support the birth and education of a girl child.

It provides coverage for all girl children in families below the poverty line (BPL) as defined by the Government of India, in rural and urban areas, born on or after 15th August 1997.

So, keep reading to know more about the scheme.

Main Features of the Balika Samriddhi Yojana Scheme

Balika Samriddhi Yojana works for the welfare of girls with well-planned long-term objectives:

• Changing the negative perspective of Indian society toward the birth of a girl child.
• Rightly raising the girl child till she reaches the legal age for marriage.
• Aiming to improve enrollment and retention of girl children in schools.
• Helping the girl child in undertaking income-generating activities.

Eligibility Criteria for Balika Samriddhi Yojana

There is a list of pre-set criteria to apply for Balika Samriddhi Yojana and get its benefits. Also, BSY covers both rural and urban areas in all the districts of India.

• For the residents of rural India, families below the poverty line (as per the criteria mentioned in the Swarnajayanti Gram Swarozgar Yojana) are included in the target group.
• When it comes to urban areas, the families living in urban slums, irrespective of their recognition, will be covered under this scheme.
• Female children born in the family of rag pickers, vegetable sellers, and payment vendors are also eligible for this scheme.
• The Balika Samriddhi Yojana provides benefits to two female children in each family, regardless of the total number of children in the household.
• These two female children must be born on or after August 15, 1997.

Financial Benefits Offered Under Balika Samriddhi Yojana Scheme

The Balika Samriddhi Yojana aims to offer financial assistance for the well-being of girl children, starting from their birth until they complete their higher secondary education. The financial assistance is provided in two parts, with the following details:

• In the first installment, BMS is given as one one-time grant of Rs. 500 to the mother of a girl child.

• The second installment of the financial assistance starts at the time of formal education for the eligible girl child. Here are the scholarship details at each stage of education:

Application Procedure for BSY

The scheme is implemented in urban areas through the Health Department, while in rural areas, it is implemented via the Integrated Child Development Services.

Here are the steps you need to apply for the Balika Samriddhi Yojana Scheme:

• Collect the application form from the concerned authority – urban or rural area.
• You can also fill in the form online from the official website of BSY.
• Once you complete your application, submit it from where it was obtained.

Documents Required to Apply for BSY

• Address proof of parent or guardian
• Telephone or electricity bill
• Voter ID Card
• Passport
• Ration Card
• Driving License
• The birth certificate of the girl child issued by the government or hospital
• Identity Proof of the parent or guardian
• PAN Card
• Any other certificate issued by the government.

Other Points to Consider

• The scholarship amount mentioned above will be deposited into an interest-bearing account that will be opened in the name of the beneficiary girl child’s name at the nearest post office or bank.
• In order to extract the maximum possible interest rate, the National Savings Scheme Certificate or Public Provident Fund Scheme is given top priority. Savings accounts are given the least amount of priority.
• The account does not allow premature withdrawal of the money to ensure the maximum possible interest rate on the deposited amount.
• Withdrawal of the amount is permitted once the girl turns 18 years old. Once the girl attains this age, she is expected to produce a certificate that states she is unmarried on her 18th birthday.
• If the girl is married before attaining 18 years, she can withdraw only Rs. 500, and the interest accrued for the same. The annual scholarship and interest are waived off. The implementing agency is eligible to withdraw the matured amount of the scholarships along with the accrued interest. The agency can use this fund to provide benefits specified under this scheme to any other qualifying female child.
• If a girl dies before attaining the age of 18, the implementing agency is authorized to withdraw the amount and provide it to any other beneficiaries eligible under the Balika Samriddhi Yojana Scheme.
• The female child can utilize the scholarship funds to buy her uniforms as well as textbooks.

How to Check Account Balance?

To verify the balance in your account established under the Balika Samriddhi Yojana, you can visit the designated bank or post office and update your passbook entries. Banks and post offices have also introduced an online option to check the Balika Samriddhi Yojana account balance. Ensure that your Internet banking service is active before using this online feature.

Conclusion

The Balika Samriddhi Yojana extends benefits to the cherished girl child, a precious blessing, born into economically vulnerable families in India. Administered by the Central Government, the scheme operates through decentralized channels that conclude at elected bodies’ hierarchical establishments.