Ladli Beti Scheme empowers over 1 lakh girl children in J&K

Srinagar, Mar 13: In a remarkable stride towards promoting education and empowerment of the girl child, the Jammu and Kashmir government’s flagship “Ladli Beti” scheme has undergone a massive expansion in recent years. Official figures reveal that the coverage of the scheme has surged from 16,095 beneficiary cases in 2017 to an astonishing 1,03,294 cases up to 2022-23.
The financial outlay for the scheme has correspondingly increased from a modest Rs 3 crore in 2017 to a substantial Rs 150 crore during the 2022-23 period. The Ladli Beti scheme, initiated under the banner of the Central Government’s “Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao” campaign, aims to provide financial assistance to underprivileged families for the education and welfare of their daughters.

“Empowering the girl child is not just a matter of social justice but also a crucial driver of economic growth and development,” said a senior Social Welfare Department official. “The Ladli Beti scheme has played a pivotal role in ensuring girls from economically weaker sections get equal opportunities to pursue their academic dreams and become self-reliant.”
Under the scheme, the government deposits Rs. 1,000 every month into the bank accounts of eligible girls from Below Poverty Line (BPL) or Financially Vulnerable (PHH) categories, starting from their enrollment in class 1 till the completion of class 12. Additionally, upon attaining the age of 21, each beneficiary is provided with a lump sum amount of Rs. 5 lakh to support their marriage expenses.
The scheme’s expansion has been widely lauded by social activists and experts, who believe it will go a long way in promoting gender equity, female literacy, and financial inclusion in the Union Territory.
“Many families in J&K still harbour biases against educating their daughters due to economic constraints and regressive mindsets. Schemes like Ladli Beti not only offset the costs but also instil a sense of value and pride in having a daughter,” said Shabnam Bhat,  a social activist
The J&K government has stated its commitment to further increasing the coverage and financial assistance under the Ladli Beti scheme in the coming years to reach more beneficiaries across the Union Territory. Officials believe the scheme’s multi-pronged approach, combining educational support and marriage assistance, will play a crucial role in empowering the girl child and breaking the cycle of poverty and gender discrimination.