As a measure to empower girl children, the state government has announced a financial scheme, in which a sum of over Rs 1 lakh will be given to a girl, beginning from her birth till she turns 18. Girls born on or after April 1, 2023 from needy families will be covered under the sop.

The decision was taken at a weekly cabinet meeting on Tuesday. The scheme will be applicable to families that have either the saffron or yellow ration card (annual income not more than Rs 1 lakh). At least Rs 5,000 will be deposited after the birth, Rs 6,000 when the girl is in Std 1, Rs 7,000 when she is in Std 7, Rs 8,000 when she is in Std 11 and Rs 75,000 when she turns 18 years old. The total sum will be Rs 1,01,000. The scheme has been named ‘Lek Laadki’ (beloved daughter).