New Delhi: To strengthen financial security and educational continuity for girls from economically weaker families, Delhi govt on Tuesday launched the ‘Delhi Lakhpati Bitya Yojna' to replace it with the 2008 Ladli Scheme.
Chief minister Rekha Gupta said the initiative reflects the govt's commitment to ensure that no girl child in Delhi is forced to discontinue her education due to financial constraints. "This is an investment in the future of our girls and, therefore, in the future of our country," she said.
Financial assistance of up to Rs 56,000 will be deposited in phased instalments linked to educational milestones, beginning at birth and continuing up to graduation or diploma-level studies. With accrued interest over time, the amount is expected to grow to over Rs 1 lakh at maturity. The funds will be transferred directly into the beneficiary's Aadhaar-linked bank account.
The assistance will be disbursed in stages: Rs 11,000 at birth; Rs 5,000 each on admission to classes I, VI, IX and XII; Rs 5,000 on passing class X; and Rs 20,000 in phases upon completion of graduation or a recognised diploma course. The maturity amount can be claimed after the beneficiary turns 18 and passes class XII or upon completing graduation or a diploma and attaining 21 years of age.
Gupta said that more than 1.9 lakh maturity accounts under the previous Ladli Scheme remained unclaimed. In 2025, the govt identified 30,000 such beneficiaries and disbursed Rs 90 crore. A further 41,000 beneficiaries were identified, and Rs 100 crore will be released shortly. "In total, Rs 190 crore that rightfully belongs to these girls is being ensured and delivered to them," she said.
The eligibility criteria were modified under the revamped scheme. It applies to girls born in Delhi, whose families have been residing in the city for at least three years, with an annual income not exceeding Rs 1.2 lakh. The benefits are limited to two surviving girl children per family. Registration can be done within one year of birth, or at later stages of admission to classes I, VI, IX, XI,, or upon entry into a recognised graduation or diploma programme.
The scheme also widens coverage to include girls pursuing graduation or professional diploma courses in govt-recognised institutions anywhere in India. Provisions for girls residing in childcare under govt protection were relaxed to ensure broader inclusion.
The entire application and disbursal process will be conducted online.
Abhinav Rajput is a Special Correspondent at The Times of India, ...
Read MoreAbhinav Rajput is a Special Correspondent at The Times of India, with extensive experience reporting on Delhi’s political and policy landscape. Covering the Delhi government, BJP, and AAP, he brings clarity and depth to the fast-moving world of capital politics. Whether decoding legislative moves, nuances of governance, policy decisions that shape Delhi, or capturing behind-the-scenes political shifts, he combines sharp reporting with context-driven storytelling that keeps readers informed and engaged.
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