Pune district has launched the first phase of the 'Lek Ladki' scheme, which will deposit ₹5,000 into the accounts of 4,000 girls. Under this scheme, families will receive financial support for each girl from birth until she turns 18, amounting to ₹1,01,000.
The state government replaced the 'Mazi Kanya Bhagyashree' scheme with this newly structured initiative, which will provide financial benefits to families with an annual income of ₹1 lakh or less, and holders of yellow and orange ration cards.
As part of the scheme’s first phase, the government will begin distributing ₹5,000 to the first batch of 4,172 beneficiaries in Pune. While the funds were initially delayed due to some technical issues, the administration is actively working to resolve the problem.
Among the 750 beneficiaries in Pune city, the majority are from the rural Junnar taluka, with 575 girls listed for the first phase.
The distribution process includes:
First Installment: ₹5,000 at birth
Second Installment: ₹6,000 upon entering first grade
Third Installment: ₹7,000 upon entering sixth grade
Fourth Installment: ₹8,000 upon entering eleventh grade
Final Payment: ₹75,000 when the girl turns 18, totaling ₹1,01,000.
Eligibility and Application Process:
This scheme is applicable to girls born after April 1, 2023. Applications can be submitted anytime and anywhere in the state.
After registering the birth of the girl, parents can submit the necessary documents to the Anganwadi worker. Once the application is processed online and verified, the benefits will be disbursed.
The primary objective of this initiative is to encourage the birth of girls, promote education for girls, reduce child mortality rates, prevent child marriages, tackle malnutrition, and ensure that all girls are enrolled in school.
Jamsing Girase, District Women and Child Welfare Officer said, "The final list of beneficiaries will be confirmed after the verification process. The scheme's ultimate goal is to increase the birth rate of girls and ensure they receive proper education. The distribution of the first installment of ₹5,000 is currently in progress."