Announced on 15th August 2016 by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, the Dulari Kanya scheme is a transformative initiative by the Directorate of Family Welfare, Department of Health & Family Welfare, Government of Arunachal Pradesh. This scheme aims to eliminate gender bias, promote institutional deliveries, ensure timely immunization, prevent child marriage, and empower girl children in every sphere of life. Under this scheme, a fixed deposit of ₹20,000/- is opened in the Minor Account of the girl child born in a government hospital or a government-recognized private hospital.
Benefits
- Fixed Deposit: An amount of ₹20,000/- is deposited in a Minor Account of the eligible girl child at birth.
- Maturity Benefit: The accumulated amount becomes accessible once the girl turns 18 years old, after she has passed the Class-X exam.
- Long-Term Financial Security: This initiative supports the long-term economic empowerment and education of the girl child.
Eligibility
- Birth Venue: The girl child must be born in a Government Hospital or a Government-recognized Private Hospital in Arunachal Pradesh.
- Parental Criteria: The father/guardian must either belong to a Scheduled Tribe of Arunachal Pradesh, be a permanent resident (domicile) of Arunachal Pradesh, or possess a household residential certificate indicating residence in the state.
- Scope: The scheme is limited to the first two live girl children in a family.
Application Process
For Application (Birth Enrollment)
- Apply at the Hospital:
- The application for the benefit is submitted at the time of institutional delivery.
- Submission to Medical Officer:
- The concerned Medical Officer in-charge/Medical Superintendent fills out the prescribed application form.
- Forwarding to DMO:
- After verification, the form is forwarded to the respective District Medical Officer (DMO) for processing.
For Claim of Maturity
- Eligibility for Withdrawal:
- When the girl turns 18 and has passed at least the Class-X exam.
- Filing the Claim:
- The beneficiary must file a maturity claim using the prescribed application form to the concerned DMO.
- Form Completion:
- The form should be duly filled out by the beneficiary herself, and upon approval, the maturity amount is released.
Documents Required
During Application:
- Proof of Institutional Delivery: Copy of the Delivery/Discharge Certificate issued by the Medical Officer.
- MCP Card: A copy of the Mother and Child Protection Card.
- Birth Certificate: Issued by the Registrar of Birth & Death.
- Parental Certificate: Copy of the Scheduled Tribe Certificate of the father/guardian or a Domicile Certificate (if non-APST) clearly indicating residence in Arunachal Pradesh.
- Photographs: Two group photographs of the girl child with her parents/guardians.
- Aadhaar Cards: Copies of Aadhaar cards for the parents/guardians and the child (if enrolled).
During Claim of Maturity:
- Educational Proof: A copy of the Class 10 Passed Certificate along with the mark sheet.
- Self-Declaration: A declaration confirming that the beneficiary remains unmarried on her 18th birthday.
- Bank Details: A copy of the bank passbook of the girl beneficiary’s account (preferably in State Bank of India).
- Withdrawal Form: The maturity claim form filled by the beneficiary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: When was the “Dulari Kanya” scheme announced?
A1: The scheme was announced on 15th August 2016 by the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh.
Q2: What documents are required to be submitted while applying for the scheme?
A2: Applicants need to submit a copy of the Delivery/Discharge Certificate, MCP Card, Birth Certificate, Scheduled Tribe or Domicile Certificate of the parents/guardians, group photographs, and Aadhaar card copies.
Q3: Which documents are required during the claim of maturity?
A3: A copy of the Class 10 Passed Certificate with mark sheet, a self-declaration of unmarried status on the 18th birthday, a bank passbook copy, and the duly filled withdrawal form.
Q4: Should the passport-sized photograph be only of the girl child?
A4: The application process requires group photographs of the girl child with her parents/guardians; specific passport-sized photos might also be needed as per guidelines.
Q5: Is it mandatory to submit a copy of the Aadhaar card of the girl child?
A5: Yes, if the girl child is enrolled under Aadhaar, a copy must be submitted.
Q6: What is the full form of MCP Card?
A6: MCP stands for Mother and Child Protection Card.
Q7: Under what case is the Domicile Certificate of the parents/guardians required?
A7: It is required if the parents/guardians do not belong to the Scheduled Tribes (non-APST) to prove permanent residency in Arunachal Pradesh.
Q8: Who should issue the Birth Certificate of the girl child?
A8: The Birth Certificate must be issued by the Registrar of Birth & Death.
Q9: What document is accepted as proof of institutional delivery?
A9: A copy of the Delivery/Discharge Certificate issued by the Medical Officer of the hospital is accepted.
Q10: Will the girl child be eligible to claim the maturity if she gets married before the age of 18?
A10: No, marriage before the age of 18 would make the beneficiary ineligible to claim the maturity amount.
Q11: Can the grant be given in installments?
A11: The grant is deposited as a fixed deposit and is available as a lump sum maturity amount at 18 years.
Q12: Can the grant be transferred to someone else?
A12: No, the grant is non-transferable and is intended solely for the beneficiary.
Q13: What is the duration of the scheme?
A13: The scheme is ongoing and supports girl children from birth until the maturity claim at age 18.
Q14: What is the last date for application?
A14: Specific deadlines are mentioned in the official guidelines; please refer to the latest notification from the Directorate of Family Welfare.
Q15: Is there any application fee for the scheme?
A15: No, there is no application fee for this scheme.