Balika Samriddhi Yojana: Benefits, Eligibility, and Application Process

Balika Samriddhi Yojana (BSY) is a flagship initiative by the Government of India, launched in 1997 under the Ministry of Women and Child Development. The scheme is designed to improve the social, economic, and educational status of girls, especially in families living below the poverty line (BPL). 

By providing financial assistance at birth and educational scholarships, the scheme encourages girl child survival, education, and empowerment, while also discouraging child marriage.

Balika Samriddhi Yojana Overview

Balika Samriddhi Yojana (BSY), launched in 1997 by the Government of India, aims to empower girl children from Below Poverty Line (BPL) families.

 Objectives of Balika Samriddhi Yojana 

The primary goals of Balika Samriddhi Yojana BSY include:

• Encouraging the birth and survival of girl children in BPL families.

• Promoting education through scholarships from Class 1 to Class 10 to reduce school dropout rates.

• Reducing gender bias and improving societal attitudes toward girls.

• Preventing child marriage by linking financial benefits to continued education.

• Promoting financial literacy and long-term savings for girls’ future needs.

Eligibility of Balika Samriddhi Yojana 

To be eligible for Balika Samriddhi Yojana BSY the following criteria must be met:

• Rural Areas: Families identified as BPL under the Swarnajayanti Gram Swarozgar Yojana (SGSY).

• Urban Areas: Families living in urban slums, regardless of formal identification.

• Occupational Coverage: Families engaged in small-scale trades such as vegetable/fruit selling, rag-picking, or street vending.

• Beneficiary Details: Girls born on or after 15th August 1997 in BPL families.

• Family Limit: Maximum of two girls per family can avail of the benefits.

• Verification: Families are surveyed, and beneficiaries are listed under the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS).

Benefits of Balika Samriddhi Yojana 

Balika Samriddhi Yojana BSY provides two main types of financial assistance:

1. Post-Birth Grant

A one-time payment of ₹500 is given to the mother after the birth of a girl child. This grant is aimed at encouraging families to value girl children.

2. Annual Educational Scholarships

To ensure girls continue their education, scholarships are provided from Class 1 to Class 10. The scholarship amount is deposited into an interest-bearing account (NSC/PPF) in the girl’s name.

• Funds can be withdrawn after she turns 18 years, provided she remains unmarried.

• If the girl marries before 18, she forfeits the scholarship but retains the post-birth grant with interest.

 Application Process of Balika Samriddhi Yojana

The application process for Balika Samriddhi Yojana BSY is offline and involves the following steps:

1. Obtain the Application Form

• Rural areas: From Anganwadi workers or ICDS centers

• Urban areas: From municipal health departments

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 ID proof (PAN, passport, voter ID)

3. Submit the Form

• Completed forms should be submitted 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 name.

Impact of Balika Samriddhi Yojana 

The impact of the Balika Samriddhi Yojana BSY has been significant in improving the welfare of girl children, especially in BPL families. Key impacts include:

• Increased school enrollment among girls in rural and urban BPL families.

• Reduced dropout rates, particularly at the secondary education level.

• Improved financial security for girls through long-term savings.

• Enhanced awareness about the importance of girl child education and gender equality.

• Discouragement of child marriage by linking financial benefits to continued education.

Balika Samriddhi Yojana BSY vs Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana

Balika Samriddhi Yojana BSY and Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY) are two important schemes aimed at supporting girl children in India. While BSY focuses on financial aid and education for BPL girls, SSY is a savings scheme designed to secure a girl child’s future.