Majhi Kanya Bhagyashree Scheme: Maharashtra Government's Initiative for Girl Child Empowerment, Improving Sex Ratio, and Financial Security
The Majhi Kanya Bhagyashree Scheme is a welfare and financial security initiative for the girl child launched by the Maharashtra government on August 1, 2017. Its objectives include encouraging the birth of girl children, improving the sex ratio, and ensuring economic security. Under this scheme, a family with one daughter receives a fixed deposit of ₹50,000, while a family with two daughters receives a fixed deposit of ₹25,000 for each daughter; these deposits mature when the girl turns 18. Beneficiaries are also provided with facilities such as the withdrawal of accrued interest every six years, a loan facility of up to ₹5,000, and accidental insurance cover of ₹1 lakh. Benefits are extended to eligible permanent residents of Maharashtra based on prescribed income limits, family planning certification, and other eligibility criteria.
The Majhi Kanya Bhagyashree Scheme is a flagship welfare and financial security scheme for the girl child, implemented by the Women and Child Development Department of the Maharashtra government since August 1, 2017. The scheme aims to encourage the birth of girl children, curb female foeticide, improve the sex ratio, and ensure the education and future financial security of girls. It also promotes family planning.
Key Features and Financial Assistance
Under the scheme, an eligible family with one daughter is provided a fixed deposit of ₹50,000, while a family with two daughters receives a fixed deposit of ₹25,000 for each daughter. This amount matures when the girl attains the age of 18. Interest earned on the deposit can be withdrawn at six-year intervals. Additionally, the scheme offers a loan facility of up to ₹5,000 and accidental insurance coverage of ₹1 lakh.
Eligibility and Beneficiaries
The benefits of this scheme are available only to permanent residents of Maharashtra whose daughter was born on or after August 1, 2017. The family's annual income must be less than ₹7.5 lakh, and the submission of a family planning certificate is mandatory. Benefits are extended only to families with one or two daughters; the benefits may be discontinued if the girl gets married before the age of 18 or drops out of education.
Significance for the UPSC Examination
In the UPSC Preliminary Examination, questions regarding this scheme may appear under topics such as women and child development, state government welfare schemes, gender equality, population policy, and family planning. In the Main Examination (GS Paper-II), it can be cited as an example of women's empowerment, social justice, child rights, human development, and inclusive development.
