For several years, the issue of female infant mortality has been a cause of concern all across the nation. Regressive mindsets and practices will always impede the progress of a nation, and that is what the state governments are trying to get rid of. On the occasion of the 68th Republic Day of the nation, the state government of Arunachal Pradesh has launched a new scheme – the Dulari Kanya Yojana – a scheme to bring down the infant mortality rate in the state.
Over the years, it has been noticed that the health of the child and the pregnant mother has been jeopardised because of inadequate healthcare practices and facilities.
With the Dulari Kanya scheme in place, the state government aims to keep a track of all pregnant mothers so that it can offer pre-natal and ante-natal facilities to them through government healthcare centres and institutions at affordable prices.
About the Dulari Kanya Scheme
The Dulari Kanya Scheme is a state government scheme to encourage the birth of a girl child. Under the implementation of this scheme, the state government will deposit an amount of ₹20,000 as a fixed deposit (FD) for the girl child born in any government or government recognised private hospital.
This amount can be withdrawn by the beneficiary on attaining the age of 18 years, which will be subject to verification by the state officials.
What is the eligibility criteria for the scheme?
In order to avail of the benefits of the scheme, the following criteria need to be met:
- The applicant should be an Arunachal Pradesh schedule tribe or a domicile resident of the Arunachal Pradesh or should hold the Household residential certificate
- The applicant should be born in a government or government recognised private hospital
- Benefits restricted to a maximum of first two girl children
The procedure to avail of the Dulari Kanya Scheme benefits
- A copy of the delivery/discharge certificate by the MO of the hospital (which serves as the proof of institution delivery)
- A copy of the MCP card
- A copy of the birth certificate issued by the register of birth and death
- A copy of scheme tribe certificate of father or guardian or domicile certificate/residential certificate
- A copy of the Aadhaar card of the parents/guardians
Benefits offered by the scheme
Under the implementation of the programme, the state government will provide ₹20,000 for the girl child born in any government hospital. This amount will be directly deposited in the bank accounts of these girl children. The accrued interest would be added till the age of 18 years of the girl child.
Summing it up
In a progressive country, there is no place for regressive ideas or practices. To encourage more households to assist the pregnant woman through pregnancy and not feel discouraged at the birth of a girl child, the state government initiated this scheme. With these, more households will now welcome the giggles of a girl child with a lot more alacrity.