Punjab’s government has unveiled the Ladli Beti Scheme to support girl children’s education and welfare. Offering financial assistance to families, the initiative aims to curb female foeticide and promote gender equality. With a focus on underprivileged households, the scheme provides monetary benefits from birth to age 18, ensuring a brighter future for Punjab’s daughters.
Punjab’s New Ladli Beti Scheme: A Step Toward Empowering Girls
On July 3, 2025, the Punjab government rolled out the ambitious Ladli Beti Scheme, a welfare initiative designed to secure the future of girl children across the state. Announced by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, the scheme aims to address gender disparities by providing financial support to families, particularly those from economically weaker sections, to promote the education and well-being of their daughters.
Under the Ladli Beti Scheme, eligible families will receive financial assistance starting from the birth of a girl child until she reaches the age of 18. The program includes periodic monetary deposits into a dedicated savings account, which can be accessed for the girl’s education, health, or marriage expenses. The government has allocated an initial budget of ₹500 crore for the scheme, targeting over 2 lakh beneficiaries in its first phase.
The initiative draws inspiration from similar schemes like the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana and Madhya Pradesh’s Ladli Behna Scheme, which have shown success in empowering women. However, Punjab’s Ladli Beti Scheme stands out for its focus on curbing female foeticide, a persistent issue in the state. By incentivizing families to nurture their daughters, the government hopes to improve the sex ratio, which, according to the latest National Family Health Survey, stands at 904 females per 1,000 males in Punjab.
To qualify, families must have an annual income below ₹2.5 lakh, and the girl child must be enrolled in a government-recognized school. The scheme also includes provisions for health check-ups and nutritional support, addressing holistic development. Applications can be submitted online via the Punjab government’s portal or at designated Anganwadi centers, with the first disbursements expected by September 2025.
Local leaders and activists have hailed the scheme as a progressive step. “This is a game-changer for Punjab’s daughters,” said Amrita Kaur, a women’s rights advocate in Chandigarh. “Financial support tied to education will encourage families to prioritize their girls’ futures.” However, some critics argue that the scheme’s success will depend on effective implementation and awareness campaigns to reach remote areas.
The Ladli Beti Scheme also aligns with national efforts like the Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao campaign, which has gained renewed momentum in states like Haryana. By combining financial aid with social awareness, Punjab aims to create a model that other states can emulate. The government plans to monitor the scheme’s impact through annual reports, focusing on metrics like school enrollment rates and improvements in the sex ratio.
Disclaimer: This article is based on recent news reports and official statements from the Punjab government. Information is sourced from credible outlets and government announcements, but readers are advised to verify details through official channels for the latest updates.