Wednesday, August 21, 2019
Dhanalakshmi Scheme
The Dhanalakshmi Scheme was a conditional cash transfer scheme launched by the Government of India in 2008. The scheme aimed to address gender discrimination and promote the well-being of the girl child in Indian families.
Key Features of the Dhanalakshmi Scheme:
1. Cash Transfers: Under this scheme, cash transfers were made to the family of the girl child at different stages of her life, provided she met certain conditions related to health and education.
2. Stages of Payment:
At Birth: A certain amount was deposited into a bank account in the name of the girl child shortly after her birth.
After Immunization: A cash transfer was made after the child received the first cycle of vaccinations.
Upon Enrolling in School: Another cash transfer was provided when the girl child entered school and maintained a certain attendance record.
Upon Completion of Education: A significant amount was deposited into the girl's bank account upon completing a specified level of education (usually after completing secondary education).
3. Bank Accounts: One of the key components of the Dhanalakshmi Scheme was promoting financial inclusion. Families were encouraged to open bank accounts in the name of the girl child, where these cash transfers were deposited.
4. Promoting Education and Health: The scheme aimed to encourage families to invest in the education and health of the girl child, as fulfilling these criteria was necessary to receive the cash transfers.
Challenges and Criticisms:
1. Implementation Challenges: Like many government schemes, the Dhanalakshmi Scheme faced challenges related to implementation, including issues with identifying eligible families and ensuring timely payments.
2. Limited Coverage: The scheme did not cover all sections of the society, leading to concerns about the exclusion of certain vulnerable groups.
3. Cultural Norms: Changing deep-seated cultural norms related to gender discrimination proved to be a challenge, as societal attitudes towards the girl child cannot be entirely addressed through financial incentives alone.
4. Sustainability: There were concerns about the long-term sustainability of cash transfer programs and whether they lead to lasting changes in social attitudes and behaviors.
As of my last update in September 2021, please note that the status and details of government schemes might have changed. For the most current and detailed information about the Dhanalakshmi Scheme, I recommend checking the official website of the Ministry of Women and Child Development or the relevant state government department in India.