The Ladli Beti Scheme is a social welfare initiative launched by the Government of Jammu & Kashmir for the empowerment of the girl child in the Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. Introduced for girls born on or after April 1, 2015, the scheme aims to promote gender equality, reduce the declining female sex ratio, and ensure that daughters are not considered a financial burden to their families. It seeks to secure their future by providing long-term financial support that can be used for education, career development, or marriage-related expenses.
This scheme is a hybrid deposit plan combining both recurring and term deposit accounts, managed through a transparent and accountable process. It is implemented through the Department of Social Welfare, ensuring that every eligible girl child from economically weaker families receives government-backed financial protection and empowerment opportunities.
Dates and Objectives of the Scheme
The Ladli Beti Scheme officially applies to girl children born on or after April 1, 2015 in the Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.
Objectives of the Scheme:
- To improve the female sex ratio by encouraging parents to celebrate the birth of a girl child.
- To ensure that a girl child does not become a financial burden on her family at the time of marriage or higher education.
- To empower women socially and economically by supporting them from birth to adulthood.
- To provide long-term financial security through a structured government deposit system.
- To promote awareness among citizens about the importance of gender equality and the welfare of girl children.
Key Features of the Ladli Beti Scheme
The Ladli Beti Scheme has several key features designed to ensure that every eligible girl child receives sustained financial support:
- Hybrid Deposit Plan:
The scheme operates in two distinct phases — a Recurring Deposit (RD) for 14 years and a Cumulative Term Deposit (CTD) for 7 years. - Government Contribution:
The Jammu & Kashmir Government contributes ₹1,000 per month for every eligible girl child from the date of birth or account opening for the next 14 years, totaling ₹1,68,000 in contributions. - No Private Deposits Allowed:
Only government contributions are credited to the account — parents or guardians cannot deposit additional funds. - Maturity Benefits:
The scheme matures when the girl reaches 21 years of age, or 85 months after the last deposit, whichever is later. The total amount with interest is then credited to the girl’s bank account. - Financial Discipline:
No withdrawals, premature closures, or foreclosures are permitted before maturity. This ensures the long-term purpose of the fund remains intact. - Security of Funds:
The funds are maintained in nationalized banks under strict government monitoring, providing complete financial safety. - Transfer Restriction:
Accounts opened at one branch cannot be transferred, ensuring records remain consistent and traceable. - Life Certificate Requirement:
Parents or guardians must submit a life certificate of the girl child every three years, certified by a Gazetted Officer or School Principal. - Tax Exemption:
Since the target group is low-income households (below ₹75,000 annual income), TDS is not deducted if Form 15G/15H is submitted annually with a valid PAN. - Compassionate Closure:
In the unfortunate event of the girl child’s death, the account is closed immediately and the amount (with accrued interest) is reverted to the government.
Financial Assistance (Scholarship Amount)
The Ladli Beti Scheme provides direct financial assistance in the following structured manner:
Phase I – Recurring Deposit Account (First 14 Years):
- The Government of J&K contributes ₹1,000 per month for 14 years.
- Total contribution: ₹1,68,000.
- No additional deposits are allowed from parents or guardians.
- No withdrawals are permitted during this phase.
Phase II – Cumulative Term Deposit Account (Next 7 Years):
- After the completion of the recurring deposit phase, the account automatically converts into a Cumulative Term Deposit (CTD) for seven years.
- The deposited amount continues to earn interest at prevailing rates.
- The final maturity amount is payable after 21 years of age or 85 months after the last installment, whichever is later.
Maturity Benefit:
Upon maturity, the full amount (principal + accumulated interest) is transferred directly to the girl child’s savings account, providing her with a strong financial foundation for higher education, marriage, or other life needs.
Eligibility Criteria
To avail the benefits of the Ladli Beti Scheme, applicants must meet the following eligibility conditions:
- The girl child must be born on or after April 1, 2015.
- The family’s annual income must not exceed ₹75,000 from all sources.
- The beneficiary and her parents or guardians must be residents of Jammu & Kashmir or Ladakh.
- The application must be made by the natural or legal guardian of the girl child.
- The beneficiary should have a bank account in a recognized bank under her or her guardian’s name.
Reservation Policy
The Ladli Beti Scheme is designed as a universal social welfare program for economically weaker families.
Hence, no specific caste-based reservation is applied. Instead, it focuses entirely on:
- Income-based eligibility (annual income less than ₹75,000).
- Gender-specific empowerment, targeting only girl children.
This inclusive approach ensures that every economically disadvantaged girl child, irrespective of caste or religion, benefits from the scheme equally.
Distribution of Financial Assistance
The financial assistance under the Ladli Beti Scheme is distributed in a structured and transparent manner:
- Direct Bank Transfer (DBT):
Monthly contributions are credited directly by the government into the girl child’s designated recurring deposit account. - Automatic Account Transition:
After 14 years, the recurring deposit automatically converts into a Cumulative Term Deposit for another 7 years. - Final Disbursement:
The maturity amount is credited to the beneficiary’s savings bank account when she turns 21 or as per the maturity conditions.
This structure ensures no intermediaries, no delays, and full transparency in financial management.
Application Process (Step-by-Step)
The application process for the Ladli Beti Scheme is simple and can be completed online through the government’s official portal.
Step 1: Registration on the Service Portal
- Visit the J&K Government’s Service Plus Portal.
- Create a new user account by registering with your email ID and mobile number.
Step 2: Login and Access the Service
- Log in to your account.
- Click on “Apply for Services” and search for “Application for Financial Assistance under Ladli Beti Scheme.”
Step 3: Fill Out the Application Form
- Enter accurate personal and family details.
- Provide information about the girl child, including name, date of birth, and Aadhaar number.
Step 4: Upload Required Documents
Attach the following documents:
- Filled Application Form
- Sanction Letter from the CDPO (Child Development Project Officer)
- Aadhaar and Address Proof of parents or guardians
- Domicile Certificate
- Birth Certificate of the girl child
- Aadhaar Number of the girl child and guardian
- Recent Passport-sized Photograph
- Bank Passbook (First Page Copy)
- Income Certificate (not exceeding ₹75,000 per annum)
Step 5: Submit and Get Acknowledgment
- Review all entered details and click ‘Submit’.
- Download and keep a copy of the Acknowledgment Slip for tracking and reference.
Step 6: Verification Process
- The Child Development Project Officer (CDPO) reviews and forwards the application to the District Programme Officer (DPO).
- The DPO verifies and forwards the application to the Deputy Commissioner for final sanction.
- The Deputy Commissioner, after due approval, forwards it to the Director (Finance)/FA & CAO, Social Welfare Department for disbursement.
Step 7: Disbursement
- Once approved, the financial assistance is directly deposited into the girl child’s bank account, initiating the recurring deposit process.
Documents Required
To successfully apply for the Ladli Beti Scheme, applicants must submit the following:
- Duly filled Application Form
- Sanction Letter from CDPO
- Identity Proof of parents or guardians (Aadhaar, Voter ID, Driving License, etc.)
- Address Proof (Utility Bill, Aadhaar, PAN Card, etc.)
- Domicile Certificate
- Birth Certificate of the girl child
- Aadhaar Number of both the girl and guardian
- Recent Passport Size Photographs
- Bank Account Details (copy of the first page of passbook)
- Income Certificate (≤ ₹75,000 per annum)
