Maharashtra’s Lek Laad Yojana: Empowering Daughters with Financial Support

The Maharashtra government has recently launched a groundbreaking scheme, “Lek Laad,” aimed at boosting the well-being and educational prospects of girls. This initiative, also known as “Pyari Beti Yojana,” offers a substantial financial incentive to families with daughters, with the potential to revolutionize the lives of thousands of girls across the state.

What is the Lek Laad Yojana?

This scheme provides a total of ₹1,000,000 (₹10 lakh) to families with daughters, disbursed in five installments across key milestones in the girl’s life. The aim is to alleviate financial burdens on families, encourage female education, and counter the prevalent issue of gender inequality in the state.

Who is Eligible for the Lek Laad Yojana?

To qualify for the Lek Laad Yojana, families must meet the following criteria:

• Ration Card: The family must possess a yellow or orange ration card, indicating their economic status.
• Annual Income: The family’s annual income should not exceed ₹1 lakh.
• Domicile: The family must be permanent residents of Maharashtra.
• Daughter’s Birth Date: The daughter’s birth date must be after April 1, 2023.
• Twin Daughters: If twin daughters are born, both will be eligible for the scheme.

Key Highlights of the Lek Laad Yojana:

• Financial Assistance: The scheme offers a total of ₹1,000,000 in five installments.
  • First Installment: ₹50,000 given at birth.
  • Second Installment: ₹6,000 given on admission to the first standard.
  • Third Installment: ₹8,000 given on admission to the sixth standard.
  • Fourth Installment: ₹8,000 given on admission to the eleventh standard.
  • Fifth Installment: ₹50,000 given when the daughter turns 18 years old.
• Application Process: The application process will be online, details of which will be announced soon.
• Required Documents: To apply, families will need to provide the following documents:
  • Ration Card
  • Aadhaar Card of Parents and Daughter
  • Photographs of the child, mother, and father
  • Domicile Certificate
  • Income Certificate
  • Mobile Number and Email ID
  • Bank Passbook (Savings account in the parents’ name)
  • Attested Birth Certificate
• Conditions: The scheme has a few conditions:
  • Either the mother or father must undergo sterilization after the birth of the second child.
  • The parents must have a joint savings account.
  • Online application is mandatory after the daughter’s birth.

Impact of the Lek Laad Yojana:

The Lek Laad Yojana has the potential to bring significant change to the lives of girls and their families in Maharashtra. By offering substantial financial assistance, the scheme aims to:

• Increase the Birth Rate of Girls: The scheme encourages families to have daughters, potentially combating gender bias.
• Promote Education: The scheme helps families cover the expenses of education, ensuring girls can continue their studies.
• Reduce Child Marriage: The financial assistance could deter families from marrying their daughters off at a young age.
• Address Malnutrition: The financial assistance can be used to ensure better nutrition for girls, contributing to their overall well-being.

Looking Forward:

The Lek Laad Yojana is a commendable initiative by the Maharashtra government. It is a significant step towards creating a more equitable and prosperous society for all. It is crucial that the scheme is implemented effectively and reaches the intended beneficiaries. With proper execution and sustained efforts, the Lek Laad Yojana can truly empower girls and shape a brighter future for Maharashtra.