Girl child wellbeing : Ganderbal awaits launch of flagship ‘Ladli beti’ scheme
Ganderbal, Jan 11: The Jammu and Kashmir government’s flagship ‘Ladli Beti’ scheme, which has recorded a remarkable expansion, emerging as a key social welfare initiative for empowering the girl child across Jammu and Kashmir but many districts including central Kashmir’s Ganderbal has been devoid of this welfare scheme.
The residents have raised concerns and demanded the implementation and extension of the 'Ladli Beti' scheme in their areas.
Launched as part of the Centre’s ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’ campaign, Ladli Beti provides Rs 1,000 per month to each beneficiary from birth till age 14. The recurring deposit then converts into a cumulative term deposit, and at 21 years, the girl receives about Rs 6.50 lakh directly into her bank account through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
An official from the Social Welfare Department said the scheme has become a cornerstone of J&K’s gender empowerment efforts. “Ladli Beti has provided families with a sense of assurance and pride. It motivates parents to invest in their daughters’ education and future,” the official said.
The 'Ladli Beti' scheme was first approved and implemented in six districts: Kathua, Jammu, Samba, Budgam, Pulwama, and Anantnag. Ganderbal was not among the initial districts.
With its long-term savings model, Ladli Beti is expected to improve female literacy, delay early marriages, and boost financial inclusion, laying the foundation for gender equity in the region. The social activists and local residents in Ganderbal district have sought the extension of the scheme in Ganderbal as well and demanded that the scheme should be implemented here so that the deserving will get benefited.
Raja Parvaiz, a social activist said that the Ladli Beti scheme is a good initiative and should be extended and implemented in Ganderbal district, requesting the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and MLA Kangan to intervene.
Meanwhile, a senior social welfare department official said that they have taken the issue of extending the scheme's jurisdiction to Ganderbal and other non-covered districts to higher authorities. The J&K government has made efforts to maximize the scheme's reach and coverage across the Union Territory, including full digitization in 2022 to ensure transparency and ease of access for eligible beneficiaries.
