Girl Child Protection Scheme – Puducherry

The Girl Child Protection Scheme of the Government of Puducherry provides financial support to girl children from economically weaker families. The scheme aims to protect the girl child, promote her education, prevent child marriage, and improve the sex ratio by making girl children an asset rather than a burden on families.

What is the Girl Child Protection Scheme?

Under this scheme, the government deposits a fixed amount in a term deposit in the name of the girl child at the time of birth or enrollment. The amount matures when the girl turns 18 or 21 years, providing a significant sum for her higher education or marriage. Additionally, interim payments may be made at key milestones (school admission, Class 10 completion, etc.).

Benefit Structure

Exact amounts depend on the scheme variant and current government orders. Verify on the official portal.

Who is Eligible?

1. Girl child: The beneficiary must be a girl child
2. Family type: BPL families or families below the income threshold
3. Residency: Family must be residents of Puducherry UT
4. Birth registration: The girl child's birth must be registered
5. Family size: Preference given to families with up to 2 children (or families with only girl children)
6. Parents' commitment: Parents must commit to the girl's education and not arrange child marriage

Documents Required

• Birth certificate of the girl child
• Aadhaar card of parents (see our Aadhaar guide)
• Aadhaar card of girl child (when available)
• Income certificate from Revenue Department
• BPL certificate / ration card
• Residence proof (Puducherry UT)
• Bank passbook of parent/guardian
• Passport-size photographs of child and parents
• Family declaration (regarding family size and commitment to girl's education)

Step-by-Step Application Process

How to Apply

1. Visit Social Welfare / WCD office: Go to the Department of Social Welfare or Women & Child Development office in your area
2. Or visit Commune Panchayat: Your local Commune Panchayat office also accepts applications
3. Collect application form: Get the Girl Child Protection Scheme form
4. Fill the form: Enter girl child's details, parents' details, income, and family information
5. Attach documents: Self-attested copies of birth certificate, income certificate, Aadhaar, etc.
6. Submit application: Submit the completed form with documents
7. Verification: Social welfare officer verifies the family's eligibility
8. Approval: Application approved by competent authority
9. FD created: A fixed deposit is created in the girl child's name
10. Passbook issued: Beneficiary family receives a passbook showing the deposit details

Processing Time

• Application to approval: 30–60 days
• FD creation: Within 1 month of approval
• Interim payments: At designated milestones (school admission, etc.)

Important Tips

1. Enroll early: Apply as soon as the girl child is born for maximum benefit
2. Keep the girl in school: The scheme's interim payments are linked to educational milestones — ensure continuous enrollment
3. No child marriage: If the girl is married before 18, the benefit may be forfeited
4. Preserve documents: Keep the FD passbook and all documents safe for maturity
5. Check for multiple schemes: The girl child may also be eligible for central schemes like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: How much will the girl child receive at maturity?

The maturity amount depends on the initial deposit and interest. It can be ₹1,00,000 or more at age 18/21.

Q2: Is the scheme only for the first girl child?

No, families with up to 2 girl children can typically enroll both. Check current rules for your specific situation.

Q3: What if the family moves out of Puducherry?

The enrolled benefit continues, but verify with the Social Welfare office to ensure continuity.

Q4: Can the money be withdrawn before maturity?

Partial withdrawals may be allowed at specified milestones (school admission, Class 10, Class 12). Full withdrawal is at maturity.

Q5: What if the girl child drops out of school?

Dropping out may affect interim payments and potentially the final maturity benefit. Keep the child enrolled in school.

Q6: Is there a deadline to apply?

Apply within the first year of the child's birth for best results. Late applications may be accepted — check with the local office.

Q7: Can adopted girl children avail this scheme?

Legally adopted girl children may be eligible with proper adoption documents. Verify with the Social Welfare office.

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. CitizenNest is an independent platform and is not affiliated with the Government of Puducherry. Verify all details on official portals. Benefit amounts and conditions may be revised.