Tamil Nadu government’s Girl Child Protection Scheme aims to empower daughters through financial assistance, education incentives, and gender equality initiatives.
The Tamil Nadu government launched the Chief Minister’s Girl Child Protection Scheme in 1992 as one of its most impactful welfare measures to combat gender bias and ensure the holistic development of the girl child. The program guarantees every girl the right to protection, education, and dignity, laying the groundwork for an equitable society.
Objectives of the Scheme
The scheme is designed to:
- Promote gender equality and discourage gender-based discrimination.
- Prevent early marriage and encourage parents to educate their daughters at least up to the Class 12 level.
- Promote family stability by motivating parents to adopt family planning measures.
- Ensure long-term financial security for the girl child, supporting her education and personal development.
Financial Assistance Under the Scheme
The scheme offers financial aid through two main components. The Tamil Nadu Power Finance and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited deposits the amount in the girl child’s name.
| Scheme Type | Eligibility | Financial Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Scheme-I | Families with only one girl child | Deposit of Rs. 50,000 |
| Scheme-II | Families with two girl children | Deposit of Rs. 25,000 for each girl |
- The deposits are renewed every five years.
- On reaching 18 years of age, the girl receives the matured amount with interest, which she can use for higher education.
- Each girl also receives an annual incentive of Rs. 1,800 from the sixth year of the deposit to support her education.
Eligibility Criteria
To benefit from the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister’s Girl Child Protection Scheme, families must meet the following conditions:
- Annual Income Limit: Up to Rs. 1,20,000 per year.
- Residency: Parents or grandparents must be residents of Tamil Nadu for at least 10 years.
- Family Planning Requirement: One parent must have undergone sterilisation before the age of 40.
- Application Timing: The scheme application must be made before the girl reaches 3 years of age.
🪄 How to Apply for the Girl Child Protection Scheme
Step-by-Step Process:
- Prepare Documents: Gather the child’s birth certificate, income proof, and Aadhaar card (mandatory).
- Visit CSC Centre: Go to the nearest Common Service Centre (CSC) for biometric verification.
- Submit Application: Fill out the form at the CSC and upload all required documents.
- Collect Acknowledgment: Obtain the application receipt with the reference number for tracking.
Documents Required
- Birth Certificate of the girl child
- Income Certificate (issued by Taluk Office)
- Sterilisation Certificate (before parent’s 40th birthday)
- Parents’ Age Proof (Birth or School Certificate)
- No Male Child Certificate
- Residential Certificate (Tamil Nadu domicile, issued by Tehsildar)
- Community Certificate (from Revenue Department)
- Aadhaar Card (mandatory)
- Any additional documents requested by authorities
Conclusion
The Tamil Nadu Chief Minister’s Girl Child Protection Scheme is a landmark welfare initiative promoting the empowerment and education of girls while addressing social challenges such as gender bias and early marriage. By offering structured financial aid and encouraging education, Tamil Nadu continues to lead the way in inclusive development and gender equality.
Source: The Indian Express