The Bhagyalaxmi Scheme for Girls Below Poverty Line (BPL) in Karnataka is a progressive initiative by the state government. The scheme’s primary goal is to promote the birth of girl children in below-poverty-line families and to elevate their status within the family and society at large. Financial assistance is provided to the girl child through her mother, father, or natural guardian, subject to the fulfilment of certain conditions.
Launched in 2006, the Bhagyalaxmi Scheme has been instrumental in supporting and encouraging the education and well-being of girl children from economically weaker families. The program provides health insurance, annual scholarships, and other financial benefits, ultimately leading to a more equitable society.
Objectives of the Bhagyalaxmi Scheme
The Bhagyalaxmi Scheme aims to:
- Promote the birth of girl children among families identified as below the poverty line.
- Increase the status of the girl child, thereby raising the status of society.
- Provide financial assistance to the girl child through her mother, father, or natural guardian, subject to the fulfilment of certain conditions.
Eligibility Criteria of the Bhagyalaxmi Scheme
To avail the benefits of the Bhagyalaxmi Scheme, the following criteria must be met:
- BPL Family Status: The girl child must be born to a family identified as below the poverty line after 31 March 2006.
- Birth Enrollment and Certificate: Birth enrollment should be completed within one year of the child’s birth, accompanied by the submission of the birth certificate.
- Limitation on Number of Girl Children: The scheme is applicable to only the first two girl children of a BPL family.
- Child Labor Prohibition: The girl child should not be involved in child labour.
- Immunization Requirements: Immunization should be completed as per the health department program.
- Education and Marriage Requirements: To be eligible for the maturity amount, the beneficiary must complete the 8th standard, and she should not be married before reaching the age of 18.
Benefits of the Bhagyalaxmi Scheme
The Bhagyalaxmi Scheme offers a range of benefits to eligible girl children and their families:
- Health Insurance Cover: The girl child receives health insurance coverage of up to INR 25,000 per year.
- Annual Scholarship: The girl child is granted an annual scholarship ranging from INR 300 to INR 1,000 up to the 10th standard.
- Financial Assistance to Parents: In case of an accident, parents receive INR 1 lakh, and in case of the natural death of the beneficiary, they receive INR 42,500.
- Maturity Amount for the Girl Child: At the end of 18 years, the beneficiary receives INR 34,751.
- Interim Payments: Certain interim payments, such as annual scholarships and insurance benefits, are made available to the beneficiary, subject to the continued fulfilment of eligibility criteria.
Scholarship Breakdown
The annual scholarship amount varies according to the class/standard the girl child is in:
- 1st-3rd Standard: INR 300 per annum for each class
- 4th Standard: INR 500
- 5th Standard: INR 600
- 6th-7th Standard: INR 700
- 8th Standard: INR 800
- 9th-10th Standard: INR 1,000
Beneficiaries
The primary beneficiaries of the Bhagyalaxmi Scheme are the girl child and her mother, father, or natural guardian, who receive financial assistance on her behalf.
Application Process
To apply for the Bhagyalaxmi Scheme, follow these steps:
- Contact Information: Reach out to the Deputy Director of Women and Child Development of the respective districts or the Child Development Project Officer (CDPO) for guidance on the application process.
- Required Documents: Gather necessary documents, such as the birth certificate, proof of BPL status, immunization records, and any other documents required by the respective authorities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q 1. What is the primary aim of the Bhagyalaxmi Scheme?
The primary aim of the Bhagyalaxmi Scheme is to promote the birth of girl children in below-poverty-line families and to raise their status within the family and society.
Q 2. Are there any limitations on the number of girl children a family can enrol in this scheme?
Yes, the scheme is applicable to only the first two girl children of a BPL family.
Q 3. What conditions must be met for the girl child to be eligible for the maturity amount?
To be eligible for the maturity amount, the girl child must complete the 8th standard, and she should not be married before reaching the age of 18.
Q 4. How is the annual scholarship amount determined for each class?
The annual scholarship amount varies according to the class the girl child is in, ranging from INR 300 for 1st to 3rd standard to INR 1,000 for 9th and 10th standard.
Q 5. Can a girl child who is a labourer avail the benefits of this scheme?
No, the girl child should not be involved in child labour to be eligible for the scheme’s benefits.
Q 6. How can one apply for the Bhagyalaxmi Scheme?
To apply, contact the Deputy Director of Women and Child Development of the respective districts or the Child Development Project Officer (CDPO) for guidance on the application process.
The Bhagyalaxmi Scheme for Girls Below Poverty Line (BPL) in Karnataka is a commendable initiative that aims to empower the girl child and elevate her status within the family and society.
By providing financial assistance, health insurance, and educational support, the scheme fosters a more equitable society and paves the way for the girl child to access better opportunities in life. With continued efforts and effective implementation, the Bhagyalaxmi Scheme can serve as a model for other states in India to follow and contribute to the upliftment of girl children across the nation.