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The Delhi government is set to roll out a new welfare initiative aimed at strengthening the education and financial security of girls in the capital. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has announced that the existing ‘Ladli Scheme’ will be discontinued and replaced with a more robust programme titled the ‘Delhi Lakhpati Bitiya Scheme’, which will come into effect from April 2026.

Under this upgraded scheme, eligible girls will receive financial assistance from birth until they complete graduation or a diploma-level course. The total benefit is designed to reach at least ₹1 lakh by the time the scheme matures, making it one of the most comprehensive girl-child support programmes in the city.

What Is the Lakhpati Bitiya Scheme?

The Lakhpati Bitiya Scheme is an enhanced version of the Ladli Scheme that was introduced in 2008 by the Women and Child Development Department. According to the Chief Minister, the older scheme no longer met current educational and economic needs, prompting the government to redesign it with stronger financial backing and clearer objectives.

The new scheme will provide structured financial assistance in stages, aligned with a girl’s age and education milestones. Payments will begin at birth and continue through school education, finally maturing after graduation or completion of a professional diploma.

How Much Financial Assistance Will Be Given?

As per official announcements, the direct government contribution under the scheme has been increased to ₹56,000 per beneficiary. This amount will be invested through a structured financial instrument, allowing it to grow over time. Upon maturity, the accumulated amount is expected to reach at least ₹1 lakh.

The final payment will be transferred directly into the beneficiary’s Aadhaar-linked bank account, ensuring transparency and eliminating delays.

Who Is Eligible for the Scheme?

The scheme will apply to girls who:

• Are born in Delhi

• Belong to families residing in Delhi for at least three years

• Have a family income not exceeding ₹1.20 lakh per year

• Are unmarried before the age of 18

Each family will be eligible to receive benefits for a maximum of two living daughters.

Digital Portal and Budget Allocation

The Delhi government plans to launch a dedicated digital portal for registration, tracking, and disbursement under the scheme. This portal will ensure that beneficiaries can easily access information and claim funds without procedural hurdles.

The government has estimated a financial outlay of around ₹160 crore for the implementation of the scheme. Additionally, the administration plans to distribute nearly ₹100 crore to around 41,000 identified beneficiaries whose funds remained unused under the previous scheme.

Why Was the Old Ladli Scheme Replaced?

During a review, the government found that a large number of matured Ladli Scheme accounts had never been claimed. More than 1.86 lakh accounts were lying unutilized, indicating serious gaps in awareness and execution.

The Chief Minister described the new scheme as an “investment in the future of girls,” emphasizing that financial constraints should never force a girl to discontinue her education.

A Step Towards Empowerment

By linking financial aid with education milestones and enforcing safeguards like discouraging child marriage, the Lakhpati Bitiya Scheme aims to create long-term social impact. The government hopes the initiative will encourage families to prioritize girls’ education and ensure economic stability for young women in Delhi.