Lakhpati Bitiya Yojana promises Rs 1 lakh to keep girls in school

The Delhi government has introduced 'Lakhpati Bitiya Yojana', essentially a revamped Ladli Scheme, that lays down a well structured financial support plan for girls right from birth to graduation.

The scheme intends to avert the problem of school dropouts due to financial difficulties by associating the installments with prescribed educational milestones and by digitally transferring funds to the beneficiaries.

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta disclosed the plan and revealed that the new structure has settled the issues which were obstacles in getting benefits under the older model and at the same time ensuring timely and transparent disbursal through direct digital transfers.

"The intention is obvious, " said the Chief Minister at the launch of the scheme, "no girl should quit studies just because there are no funds."

What is the Lakhpati Bitiya Yojana?

The upgraded programme provides phased financial assistance at key stages of a girl’s education. The government will deposit up to ₹56,000 over the years. With accrued interest, the total is expected to exceed ₹1 lakh by maturity.

All funds will be credited directly into the beneficiary’s Aadhaar-linked bank account.

Why Ladli was overhauled

Launched in 2008, the Ladli Scheme aimed to support girls’ education. However, officials said serious implementation gaps surfaced after the new government took office.

According to official data, more than 1.86 lakh maturity accounts remained unclaimed for years, delaying payments to beneficiaries.

The government has since begun clearing the backlog:

₹90 crore has been disbursed to around 30,000 beneficiaries

Another ₹100 crore will soon be released to 41,000 more girls

In total, ₹190 crore is now being delivered to eligible beneficiaries

How the money will be disbursed

Under the revised structure, assistance will be released in instalments tied to education milestones:

• ₹11,000 at birth

• ₹5,000 on admission to Class I

• ₹5,000 on admission to Class VI

• ₹5,000 on admission to Class IX

• ₹5,000 on passing Class X

• ₹5,000 on admission to Class XII

• ₹20,000 in phases during graduation or diploma courses

The accumulated amount will earn interest and mature into over ₹1 lakh.

Funds can be withdrawn after:

• The beneficiary passes Class 12 and turns 18, or

• She completes her graduation or a diploma course and turns 21

If the beneficiary does not meet the prescribed milestones, such as failing to complete Class 12 by 21, the deposited amount, along with interest, will be returned to the government.

Who is eligible?

The revised eligibility criteria include:

• The girl child must be born in Delhi

• The family must have lived in Delhi for at least three years

• Annual family income must be below ₹1.20 lakh

A maximum of two girl children per family can apply

Registration can be completed:

• Within one year of birth, or

• At admission to Class 1, 6, 9, 11, or a recognised graduation/diploma course

The scheme now covers girls pursuing higher education in government-recognised institutions across India, including UGC-affiliated colleges. Special relaxations apply to girls in government-protected child care institutions.

When are they going to start?

The whole operation is going to be carried out on the web, so that you won't have to go to the government offices physically. The launch is scheduled for April 1, with a first phase budget of 160 crore and an option to raise the amount if necessary.

The Lakhpati Bitiya Yojana is focused on setting up a clearly defined safety net for the girl children in Delhi, starting from birth till the completion of their higher education, through linking the disbursal of financial assistance to educational milestones and making a shift towards fully digital transfers.