Introduction
Raising daughters in India comes with the joy of nurturing their future and the responsibility of ensuring access to quality education and financial security. Recognizing this, both the Central and State Governments of India have launched several schemes to support parents with daughters. These schemes aim to reduce financial burden, prevent school dropouts, encourage higher education, and empower girls to lead independent lives.
If you are a parent of one or two daughters, you may be wondering whether there are monthly subsidies, scholarships, or savings schemes that can help secure their future. The answer is yes—there are multiple options available depending on your state, income category, and eligibility.
This blog will walk you through the most important central and state-level schemes for daughters in India, including programs that provide monthly stipends, annual benefits, or lump sum amounts for education and welfare.
Why Special Schemes for Girls?
The government introduced these initiatives because:
- Girls historically had higher dropout rates from school.
- Financial insecurity often led to early marriage.
- Families from low-income backgrounds struggled with education expenses.
- Encouraging girls’ education improves the overall socio-economic growth of the country.
With targeted programs, the government ensures that no girl is left behind due to financial constraints.
Central Government Schemes for Girls
1. Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP)
- Focus: Awareness campaign to stop gender discrimination and promote education.
- Benefit: No direct financial subsidy, but improvements in service delivery and awareness.
2. Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY)
- A small savings scheme for the girl child.
- Parents can deposit money (minimum ₹250 annually, up to ₹1.5 lakh per year).
- Current interest rate: attractive, higher than regular savings accounts.
- Money matures after 21 years and can be used for higher education or marriage.
- Comes with tax benefits under section 80C.
3. National Scheme of Incentives to Girls for Secondary Education (NSIGSE)
- SC/ST girls who pass class 8 are eligible.
- A fixed deposit of ₹3,000 is provided, redeemable at age 18.
4. CBSE Merit Scholarship for Single Girl Child
- A monthly stipend of ₹500 is awarded for two years to meritorious single girl students studying in classes 11 and 12 in CBSE schools.
State Government Schemes with Monthly or Periodic Benefits
Many state governments have gone further and introduced direct financial assistance for girl students. Here are some of the major ones:
1. Nijut Moina 2.0 (Assam, 2025)
- ₹1,000 per month for higher secondary students (Class 11–12).
- ₹1,250 per month for undergraduate students.
- ₹2,500 per month for postgraduate students.
- Objective: Prevent child marriage and promote continued education.
2. Kanyashree Prakalpa (West Bengal)
- ₹750 annually for girls aged 13–18 years.
- One-time grant of ₹25,000 when the girl turns 18–19, if unmarried and in education.
- The scheme has significantly reduced dropout rates in the state.
3. Ladli Laxmi Yojana (Madhya Pradesh)
- Government deposits ₹6,000 annually for five years.
- Milestone benefits at classes 6, 9, and 11.
- Monthly stipend of ₹200 during higher secondary education.
- A lump sum of around ₹1 lakh is given when the girl turns 21.
4. Mazi Kanya Bhagyashree (Maharashtra)
- ₹5,000 per year for the first five years after birth.
- ₹2,500 annually till 5th standard, ₹3,000 annually till 12th.
- At 18, the girl receives ₹1 lakh per year for education.
5. Bangaru Thalli (Andhra Pradesh)
- Support starts from pregnancy stage of the mother.
- Monthly and annual payments at every stage: early childhood, school, intermediate, and higher education.
- Up to ₹1 lakh for completing graduation.
6. Ladli Scheme (Haryana)
- For second girl child.
- ₹5,000 deposited annually for five years in a fixed deposit.
- Released when the girl turns 18.
📊 Summary of Government Schemes for Girls in India
| Scheme & State | Monthly / Annual Support | Final Benefit | Focus Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nijut Moina 2.0 (Assam) | ₹1,000–₹2,500 per month | Stipends till PG level | Education, child marriage prevention |
| Kanyashree (WB) | ₹750 yearly + ₹25,000 at 18–19 | One-time grant | Secondary education retention |
| Ladli Laxmi (MP) | ₹200/month during higher secondary | ₹1 lakh at 21 | Education & welfare |
| Mazi Kanya Bhagyashree (MH) | Annual support till 12th + ₹1 lakh at 18 | Higher education fund | Financial support |
| Bangaru Thalli (AP) | Monthly + milestone-based payments | Up to ₹1 lakh | Education & welfare |
| Ladli Scheme (Haryana) | ₹5,000 annually for 5 years | FD at 18 | Girl child support |
| SSY (Central) | Savings-based, tax benefit | Education/Marriage fund | Long-term savings |
| CBSE Scholarship | ₹500/month for 2 years | ₹12,000 total | Single girl child scholarship |
How Parents Can Apply
- Check eligibility – Some schemes are limited to specific states or categories (SC/ST/BPL).
- Collect documents – Birth certificate, Aadhaar card, school certificates, income certificate, and bank account details.
- Visit official portals – Most state schemes have dedicated online portals for registration.
- Track disbursement – Payments are usually credited via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) to the beneficiary’s bank account.
Conclusion
If your friend has two daughters in India, there are many government schemes that can provide financial relief and educational security. While Central schemes like Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana and CBSE scholarships ensure savings and merit recognition, the real monthly or yearly subsidies come mainly from state-level programs such as Nijut Moina 2.0 (Assam), Kanyashree (West Bengal), and Ladli Laxmi (MP).
The key step is to identify the state of residence and apply under the most suitable program. With proper planning, parents can secure not only financial support but also a brighter educational future for their daughters.
Disclaimer:
The information provided in this article is for general awareness purposes only. Government schemes, benefits, and eligibility criteria may vary by state, income category, and time of application. Readers are advised to verify the latest details from official government websites or local authorities before applying. We do not guarantee any benefits or payouts, as policies are subject to change by the Government of India and respective state governments.