Tenfold Leap: 1.90 lakh girl children benefit from J&K’s flagship Ladli Beti Scheme

Srinagar, Oct 6: The Jammu and Kashmir government’s flagship ‘Ladli Beti’ scheme has recorded a remarkable expansion, emerging as a key social welfare initiative for empowering the girl child across the Union Territory. Official figures reveal that around 1.90 lakh girl children have been covered under the scheme up to 2024-25, marking a tenfold rise from just 16,095 beneficiaries in 2017.

Correspondingly, financial assistance under the programme has soared from Rs 24 crore to nearly Rs 900 crore, reflecting the administration’s sustained push to promote education and financial independence among girls from economically weaker sections.

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).

A senior 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 scheme has brought tangible change to families like that of Shabnum, a Class 6th student from Budgam. “My father is a labourer. This scheme helps me continue my studies without being a burden,” she said.

For Rubeena, a mother, the scheme has been life-changing. “Earlier, people around us considered daughters a financial load. Now, with Ladli Beti, they see them as an asset. We feel more confident about our daughters’ futures,” she said.

Social workers believe the scheme is gradually shifting mindsets. “It is bridging economic gaps and changing how society values a girl child,” said social activist Manzoor Ahmad.

Alongside Ladli Beti, the government’s Marriage Assistance Scheme has also benefited 1,04,326 girls with Rs 394 crore in aid since 2015-16.

Officials said the administration plans to further widen coverage and streamline the process to ensure timely disbursement. 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.