The Indira Gandhi Balika Suraksha Yojana (IGBSY) is a flagship initiative of the Himachal Pradesh Government designed to protect the girl child and improve the state’s sex ratio. Launched in 2007 by the Health and Family Welfare Department, the scheme has been significantly enhanced over the years . In October 2023, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced a massive revision of the scheme’s benefits to strengthen its impact .
The primary objective of this scheme is to combat female foeticide and encourage families to welcome girl children by providing substantial financial incentives. In its 2023 avatar, the scheme offers parents of a single girl child a generous incentive of Rs 2 lakh, a huge jump from the previous Rs 35,000 . Similarly, parents who opt for family planning after having two daughters now receive Rs 1 lakh, up from the earlier Rs 25,000 .
The scheme is a cornerstone of the state’s efforts to promote gender equality and social welfare. By providing a significant financial safety net, it aims to change mindsets and ensure that families do not view the birth of a girl as a financial burden. It also encourages small families and planned parenthood, contributing to broader population control and economic development goals.
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Scheme Overview and Key Statistics
The IGBSY has specific parameters that are essential for beneficiaries to understand. Here is a detailed overview of the scheme’s current structure:
Overview Table:
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Indira Gandhi Balika Suraksha Yojana (IGBSY) |
| State | Himachal Pradesh |
| Launch Year | 2007 |
| Implementing Department | Health and Family Welfare Department, HP |
| Announcement Date (2023 Revision) | 5 October 2023 |
| Announced By | Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu |
| Objective | Stop female foeticide & improve sex ratio |
| Official Website | himachal.nic.in / health.hp.gov.in |
| Sex Ratio (as per SRS 2018-20) | 950 (Third best in India) |
Financial Incentive Table:
| Family Scenario | Previous Benefit | Current Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Only One Girl Child (and adopting permanent family planning) | Rs 35,000 | Rs 2,00,000 |
| Two Girl Children (and adopting permanent family planning) | Rs 25,000 | Rs 1,00,000 |
| Two Girl Children (Under Older IGBSY) | FD of Rs 12,500 each | (Transitioning to new structure) |
Key Takeaway: The 2023 revision has increased the incentive for a single girl child by nearly 6 times, from Rs 35,000 to Rs 2 lakh, making it a powerful tool to combat gender discrimination and support families financially.
Objectives of the Scheme
The Indira Gandhi Balika Suraksha Yojana is designed with clear and powerful objectives that address deep-rooted social issues .
Primary Objectives:
1. Eradication of Female Foeticide:
- The scheme directly aims to stop the practice of sex-selective abortion.
- By providing a large financial incentive, it addresses the economic fears that often lead to such practices .
2. Improving the Sex Ratio:
- The state’s sex ratio (950 as per SRS 2018-20) is the third-best in India, but the government aims to reach the top spot .
- This scheme is a key driver to achieve that goal.
3. Encouraging Family Planning:
- The scheme rewards families who adopt permanent family planning methods after the birth of one or two daughters .
- This promotes small families and responsible parenthood.
4. Financial Support for the Girl Child:
- The incentive serves as a corpus for the girl child’s future, ensuring her education and well-being are not compromised due to financial constraints .
5. Creating a Positive Attitude:
- The scheme aims to shift the mindset of society, making families proud to have daughters and ensuring they are seen as an asset, not a liability .
Eligibility Criteria for the Scheme
The eligibility framework for the IGBSY is designed to be straightforward and accessible for the residents of Himachal Pradesh.
Primary Eligibility Conditions:
- Residency: The applicant must be a permanent resident of Himachal Pradesh .
- Adoption of Family Planning: The scheme provides incentives to parents who adopt permanent family planning methods (sterilization) after the birth of their first or second child, if both are daughters .
- Number of Girl Children: The scheme is applicable to families with one or two girl children.
- Birth Registration: The birth of the girl child must be registered with the appropriate authority.
Beneficiary Categories:
| Category | Eligibility | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| One Girl Child | Family adopts permanent family planning after the birth of their first child, who must be a daughter. | ₹2,00,000 |
| Two Girl Children | Family adopts permanent family planning after the birth of their second child, and both children are daughters. | ₹1,00,000 |
| Legacy Beneficiaries | Families who adopted family planning under the old scheme and received a fixed deposit in the daughter’s name. | FD of ₹12,500 to ₹35,000 |
How the Scheme Works
The Indira Gandhi Balika Suraksha Yojana operates through a simple, government-driven implementation process involving the health department and banks.
Implementation Mechanism:
1. Identification of Beneficiaries:
- The Health and Family Welfare Department identifies eligible families, primarily through the sterilization procedure at government or accredited health centers.
- When a family opts for family planning after the birth of a daughter, the health center registers the case for the scheme.
2. Application and Documentation:
- The health center or the concerned department provides the application form.
- The family is required to submit essential documents such as a Himachali Certificate, Aadhaar, Birth Certificate of the daughter(s), and the Family Planning Certificate .
3. Incentive Disbursement:
- The incentive is not a direct cash transfer but is intended to be invested in the name of the girl child, acting as a financial safety net for her future .
- The amount is deposited in a bank account or a fixed deposit (FD) in the daughter’s name . The funds are meant to be used for her higher education, marriage, or other future needs .
- For the new schemes (Rs 2 lakh and Rs 1 lakh), the exact investment structure is being implemented but follows similar principles of securing the child’s future.
Billing Example (Legacy & New):
| Family Type | Under the Scheme | Investment Method |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Girl Child | Rs 2,00,000 | Invested in the daughter’s name (New Scheme) |
| 2 Girl Children | Rs 1,00,000 | Invested in the daughters’ name (New Scheme) |
| 2 Girl Children (Older) | Rs 12,500 per child | Fixed Deposit in each daughter’s name |
Financial Details and Budget
The financial outlay for the IGBSY is a testament to the state government’s commitment to the girl child.
Financial Assistance Breakdown:
| Benefit Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Single Girl Child Incentive | Rs 2,00,000 (Enhanced from Rs 35,000) |
| Two Girl Children Incentive | Rs 1,00,000 (Enhanced from Rs 25,000) |
| Historical FD Amount (Two Girls) | Rs 12,500 per daughter (older, transitional phase) |
Key Takeaway: The scheme costs the government significantly more but provides a massive financial safety net for families with daughters, directly addressing the economic aspect of gender discrimination.
How to Apply and Check Beneficiary Status
The application process is primarily hospital-based and integrated with family planning services.
Application Process:
Step 1: Avail family planning services (sterilization) at a government hospital or accredited health centre after the birth of your daughter(s).
Step 2: The health centre staff will inform you about the IGBYS and provide the application form .
Step 3: Fill out the application form with accurate personal and family details.
Step 4: Submit the form along with the necessary documents to the health centre.
Step 5: The Health Department processes the application and releases the incentive amount, which is invested in the name of the girl child.
Required Documents:
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Aadhaar Card | Identity verification |
| Himachali Certificate | Proof of residency |
| Daughter’s Birth Certificate | Proof of birth |
| Family Planning Certificate | Proof of sterilization after the birth |
| Bank Account Details | For depositing the incentive amount |
Major Achievements and Impact
- Combating Female Foeticide: The primary achievement has been its role in discouraging female foeticide and encouraging families to have daughters .
- Improving Sex Ratio: The state’s sex ratio of 950 is the third best in the country, and the scheme is a key contributor to this success .
- Financial Security: The scheme provides a significant financial cushion for families with daughters, ensuring that their future is not compromised due to economic reasons .
- Successful Implementation: The scheme’s structure, linking the incentive to family planning, has led to a high uptake in the state .
Important Links and Official Resources
| Resource | Link/Description |
|---|---|
| Official Website | himachal.nic.in / health.hp.gov.in |
| Health Department | health.hp.gov.in |
Helpline:
For any queries, contact your nearest government health centre or the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) office in your district.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Indira Gandhi Balika Suraksha Yojana (IGBSY)?
IGBSY is a Himachal Pradesh government scheme that provides a financial incentive to families who adopt permanent family planning after the birth of their daughter(s). The incentive is given to improve the state’s sex ratio and support the girl child’s future .
How much financial incentive is provided under the scheme?
Under the 2023 revision, families with one girl child receive Rs 2,00,000, and families with two girl children receive Rs 1,00,000. The state government announced this increase in October 2023 .
Who is eligible for the scheme?
Permanent residents of Himachal Pradesh who adopt permanent family planning after the birth of their first child (if a daughter) or after the birth of their second child (if both are daughters) are eligible .
Is this a new scheme?
No, the scheme was launched in 2007. However, the government announced a significant revision on 5 October 2023, increasing the financial benefits .
What were the benefits before the 2023 revision?
Before the revision, parents of a single girl child were given Rs 35,000, and parents of two girl children were given Rs 25,000 .
How do I apply for the scheme?
The application is processed through government health centers when a family opts for family planning. The health center will provide the application form and assist with the process .
What documents are required for the scheme?
You need documents like Aadhaar Card, Himachali Certificate, Daughter’s Birth Certificate, Family Planning Certificate, and Bank Passbook/Account Details .
When is the money given to the family?
The incentive is not a direct cash grant. The money is invested in the form of a Fixed Deposit (FD) in the name of the girl child to secure her future .
What is the sex ratio of Himachal Pradesh?
As per the Sample Registration System (SRS) data for 2018-20, the sex ratio of Himachal Pradesh is 950, which is the third-best in India .
What is the objective of increasing the incentive amount?
The increased incentive aims to further discourage female foeticide and provide stronger financial support to families with daughters, helping to improve the state’s sex ratio and empower girl children .