The Haryana government has taken a significant step towards improving the lives of girls with its Aapki Beti Hamari Beti scheme. This program aims to change how society views girls, increase their numbers, and give them better chances in life. Let’s explore this important initiative in detail.
What is Aapki Beti Hamari Beti?
Aapki Beti Hamari Beti is a savings scheme initiated by the Haryana government and the Ministry of Women and Child Development. Under this program, the state government invests ₹21,000 in the Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) for eligible families with girl children.
Who Can Benefit?
The scheme covers:
- The first girl child born to Scheduled Caste (SC) families
- The first girl child born to Below Poverty Line (BPL) families
- The second girl child born to families of any caste
Key Objectives
The main goals of the Aapki Beti Hamari Beti scheme are:
- Improving the child sex ratio in Haryana
- Ensuring the survival and proper health of girls
- Promoting education for girls
- Raising the status of girl children in families and society
- Changing social attitudes towards girls
How the Scheme Works
When an eligible girl child is born, the Haryana government invests ₹21,000 with the Life Insurance Corporation of India. This investment is made in the name of the girl child through her mother. If the mother is not alive, the investment is made through the father or guardian.
When the girl turns 18, she receives the invested amount along with any accrued interest. This money can be used for her education or other needs.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the Aapki Beti Hamari Beti scheme, families must meet the following criteria:
- They must be residents of Haryana
- The girl child must have been born on or after January 22, 2015
- For SC and BPL families, it applies to the first girl child
- For families of any other caste, it applies to the second girl child
Application Process
Parents can apply for the scheme through the following steps:
- Visit the official website wcdhry.gov.in
- Go to the “Schemes” section and click on “Schemes For Children”
- Select “ABHB (Apki Beti Hamari Beti)”
- Download and fill out the application form
- Submit the form at the nearest Anganwadi center along with required documents
Required Documents
When applying, families need to provide:
- Birth certificate of the girl child
- Immunization card
- Proof of residence
- BPL ration card (if applicable)
- Income certificate
- Caste certificate (if applicable)
- Aadhaar numbers of parents
How the Money is Managed
The scheme invests the money with LIC in the name of the girl child. Usually, it’s done through the mother. If the mother isn’t alive, it’s done through the father. If both parents are not there, a guardian can manage it. The money should be given within a month after the application is approved.
Impact and Importance
The Aapki Beti Hamari Beti scheme is crucial for several reasons:
- Addressing Gender Imbalance: Haryana has historically had a low sex ratio. This scheme encourages families to welcome girl children.
- Financial Support: The scheme provides financial assistance to families, reducing the perceived economic burden of raising a girl child.
- Promoting Education: By providing funds when the girl turns 18, the scheme supports her higher education or skill development.
- Changing Mindsets: The initiative aims to change societal attitudes towards girls, promoting gender equality.
- Health and Survival: By investing in girls from birth, the scheme encourages families to prioritize their health and well-being.
Conclusion
The Aapki Beti Hamari Beti scheme represents a significant step towards gender equality and girl child empowerment in Haryana. By providing financial support and encouraging education, the scheme aims to change how society views and treats girls. While challenges remain, initiatives like this are crucial in creating a more equitable future for all children, regardless of gender.
