Hooli GP’s Kumari Samruddhi Yojana earns praise

Pic: Minister lauds initiative which offers Rs 5,500 deposit for every girl born in the villageBelagavi: Kumari Samruddhi Yojana, implemented by the Hooli gram panchayat in Savadatti taluk to support the economic empowerment of the girl child, has drawn appreciation from across the state. Rural development and panchayat raj minister Priyank Kharge recently praised the GP for its social concern and described the initiative as a model for local bodies.Launched on Aug 15, 2022, the scheme provides a fixed deposit of Rs 5,000, now enhanced to Rs 5,500, in the name of every girl child born in the village.The scheme was implemented during the tenure of the then-GP president Virupaksha Torgal. Since its launch, over 50 children have benefited, with the GP depositing Rs 2.5 lakh for the project. The deposit amount was increased to Rs 5,500 from Nov 2025.Under the scheme, the deposit is made soon after the birth of a girl child and placed in a joint bank account of the child and her mother. The amount, along with accrued interest, is released after the child turns 18, for higher education or future needs.Inspired by the Bhagyalakshmi scheme launched in 2006, Hooli GP formulated the Kumari Samruddhi Yojana at the local level in 2022. Zilla panchayat CEO Rahul Shinde said the initiative reflects the social responsibility of local self-govt bodies and added that a message has been sent to all GPs urging them to replicate the model.About the scheme* Launched: In 2022 by then GP president Virupaksha Torgal* Covers: Hooli village* Support: Backed by majority of elected GP members* Eligibility: First or second girl child; excludes govt employee families* Benefit: Rs 5,500 deposit per girl child * Funding: Entirely from GP's own tax collections* Objective: Discourage female foeticide; promote respect for girls* Certificates issued: On Republic Day & Independence Day annually