Modi government launched two schemes named ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’ and ‘Sukanya Samridhi Yojna’ to encourage birth and education of girls and to improve the child sex ratio which has been very low – 918 girls for 1,000 boys.
In a fuction held at Panipat, Haryana, Modi described the tendency to indulge in female foeticide as a “mental illness”. He also added that if this discrimination does not end it could cause a “terrible crisis” soon because of a lack of women in the country.
Modi chose Panipat in Haryana to launch the schemes with special intention. Haryana has the lowest child sex ratio in the country (837 girls to 1000 boys).
Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao Yojna
Action Plan
- Government would promote early registration of pregnancy and institutional delivery
- It would be ensured that Panchayats display Gudda-Guddi board with number of newborn boys and girls every month.
- Panchayats would be held responsibe for child marriage.
- Parliamentary forum of MPs will be created that will represent 100 districts.
Sukanya Samridhi Yojna
- A bank account will be opened in girl child’s name before the age of 10
- Minimum deposit required will be Rs 1000
- Any amount in the multiple of Rs 100 can be deposited subsequently upto a maximum Rs 1.5 lack in a year.
- Government will provide the rate of interest 9.1% on the account
- No income tax will be charged
- 50% money can be withdrawn by the child after attaining the age of 18 years.
- Account will remain operative till the girl attains the age of 21 years.
