Bhagyalakshmi scheme benefit eludes over 2 lakh families

The Bhagyalakshmi Scheme, launched in 2006 to promote the birth of girl children in Below Poverty Line (BPL) families, has reportedly failed to benefit over 2.36 lakh families.

Beneficiaries are struggling to produce the required nine documents, such as vaccination and sterilization cards, to claim the maturity amount.

Key Issues: 

Document Requirements: Many families lack awareness of the document requirements and struggle to obtain necessary records. 

Eligibility Criteria: Families with more than three children are ineligible, leading to disqualifications.

The Bhagyalakshmi Scheme Details: The Bhagyalakshmi Scheme is a social welfare initiative launched by the Karnataka government in 2006 to promote the birth of girl children in Below Poverty Line (BPL) families.

The scheme aimed to improve the sex ratio and address issues like child labor, female foeticide, and child marriage.

Financial Assistance: Provide financial support to the girl child through her mother, father, or legal guardian. 

Benefits: 

Initial Deposit: ₹10,000 deposited in the name of a girl child born after April 2006.

Maturity Amount: ₹32,351 to be provided after the girl turns 18. 

Health Insurance: Coverage up to ₹25,000 per year. 

Scholarships: Annual scholarships ranging from ₹300 to ₹1,000 for girls up to the tenth standard.

Accident Insurance: ₹1 lakh in case of an accident. 

Death Benefit: ₹42,500 in case of natural death of the beneficiary.

Eligibility Criteria: 

Birth Registration: The girl's birth must be registered within a year. No Child Labor: The girl should not engage in child labor.

Immunization: Proper immunization as per the health department's program. Age and Marital Status: The girl must be born after March 31, 2006, and should not be married before turning 18.