The Balika Samriddhi Yojana (BSY) is one of the earliest government schemes in India designed to support the birth, education, and future of a girl child. Launched in 1997, this scheme focuses on improving the social status of girls and providing financial assistance to families living below the poverty line.
In this article, you will learn about benefits, eligibility, scholarship amount, documents required, and application process in a clear and simple way.
What is Balika Samriddhi Yojana?
Balika Samriddhi Yojana is a financial support scheme for girl children started by the Government of India under the women and child welfare program.
The scheme:
- Encourages the birth of girl children
- Supports their education
- Prevents early marriage
- Helps them become financially independent
It provides a cash benefit at birth and yearly scholarships for schooling.
Objectives of Balika Samriddhi Yojana
The main goals of the scheme are:
- Change negative thinking towards girls in society
- Promote girls’ education
- Stop child marriage
- Improve the future of girls from poor families
- Help girls become self-reliant
Financial Benefits Under BSY
1️⃣ Post-Birth Benefit
- ₹500 is given after the birth of a girl child.
2️⃣ Annual Scholarship for Education
| Class | Scholarship Amount |
| Class 1 – 3 | ₹300 per year |
| Class 4 | ₹500 |
| Class 5 | ₹600 |
| Class 6 – 7 | ₹700 per year |
| Class 8 | ₹800 |
| Class 9 – 10 | ₹1000 per year |
This money can be used for:
- Books
- School uniform
- Education expenses
Who Can Apply? (Eligibility Criteria)
To get the benefits of Balika Samriddhi Yojana:
✔ The child must be a girl
✔ She must be born on or after 15 August 1997
✔ The family must be below the poverty line (BPL)
✔ Only two girl children per family are eligible
✔ Available in both rural and urban areas
Urban coverage includes:
- Slum dwellers
- Street vendors
- Fruit & vegetable sellers
- Daily wage workers
Where is the Money Deposited?
The financial assistance is:
- Deposited in the bank or post office account in the girl’s name
- Earns interest over time
- Can be withdrawn at 18 years of age
⚠️ Condition: The girl must be unmarried at 18 years.
What Happens in Special Cases?
- If the girl marries before 18 → She will get only ₹500 (birth benefit).
- If the girl dies before 18 → The amount is withdrawn.
How to Apply for Balika Samriddhi Yojana
In Rural Areas
Apply through:
- Anganwadi worker
- ICDS office
In Urban Areas
Apply through:
- Health department worker
Steps to Apply
- Get the application form
- Fill in the required details
- Attach necessary documents
- Submit to the same office
Documents Required
You need:
- Birth certificate of the girl child
- Address proof of parents
- Identity proof of parents
- BPL certificate / ration card
When Can the Girl Withdraw the Money?
The girl can withdraw the full amount:
✔ After turning 18 years old
✔ After submitting an unmarried certificate from the local authority
Why Balika Samriddhi Yojana is Important
This scheme plays a big role in:
- Increasing girls’ school enrollment
- Reducing child marriage
- Supporting poor families
- Empowering women financially
It helps create a society where girls are educated, respected, and independent.
Final Words
Balika Samriddhi Yojana is a powerful step towards “Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao”.
If you are eligible, you should definitely apply and secure your daughter’s future.
This scheme not only provides financial help but also encourages families to educate and empower their girl child.
