This welfare scheme, launched by the Department of Women and Child Development, Government of Puducherry, aims to promote small family norms, enhance the welfare of girl children, and ease the financial burden on parents during their daughter’s marriage. Under the scheme, a fixed deposit worth ₹25,000 is opened in the Post Office in the form of a National Savings Certificate, with the maturity amount released when the girl child attains the age of eighteen years.
Benefits
- Financial Assistance:
- A sum of ₹25,000 is deposited as a fixed deposit in the Post Office.
- Maturity:
- The maturity amount is released when the girl child reaches eighteen years of age.
Eligibility
- Citizenship:
- The applicant must be a citizen of India.
- Residency:
- The applicant should be a native of Puducherry by birth or have maintained continuous residence for at least five years.
- Income:
- The applicant’s annual income should not exceed ₹75,000 from all sources.
- Child Criteria:
- The family must have only one living girl child, with no other issue.
- Educational Requirement:
- The girl child should be studying in 8th, 9th, or 10th standard.
Application Process
Offline
- Obtain the Application Form:
- Applicants can visit the Office/Sub-Office of the Department of Women and Child Development during office hours to request a hard copy of the prescribed application form. Alternatively, the form may be printed from the official website.
- Complete the Form:
- Fill in all mandatory fields, affix a passport-sized photograph (signed if required), and attach copies of the necessary documents (self-attested if required).
- Submission:
- Submit the duly filled and signed application form along with the supporting documents to the Deputy Director (Women Development) or the Child Development Project Officer, at least 30 days prior to the proposed marriage date.
- Receipt:
- Obtain an acknowledgment receipt from the authority, ensuring that it includes the date, time, and a unique identification number (if applicable).
Online Process
Documents Required
- Aadhaar Card (or Aadhaar Enrolment ID with any one of the following alternatives if Aadhaar is not available: Bank/Post Office Passbook with photo, PAN Card, Passport, Ration Card, Voter ID Card, MGNREGA Card, Kisan Photo Passbook, Driving License, or a photo identity certificate issued by a Gazetted Officer/Tehsildar)
- Residence Certificate from the Revenue Department
- Income Certificate from the Revenue Department
- Voter ID Card
- Passport-sized Photograph
- Declaration/Undertaking (if required)
- Certificate from MP/MLA/Commissioner of Municipality/Commune Panchayat/Revenue Officer (not below the rank of Deputy Tahsildar)
- Certificate of Birth of the Girl Child
- Forwarding Certificate from the Head of the Educational Institution
- Family Ration Card (duly attested by a Gazetted Officer)
- Election Identity Card of the Parents (duly attested by a Gazetted Officer)
- Study Certificate from the School
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can the applicant exceed the income limit of ₹75,000 and still be eligible?
No, the annual family income must not exceed ₹75,000. -
How is the fixed deposit in the Post Office managed?
The ₹25,000 is deposited as a National Savings Certificate in the name of the girl child, and the maturity amount is released when she turns eighteen. -
Why is the study certificate from the school required in the application?
It serves as proof that the girl child is currently studying in 8th to 10th standard as per the scheme’s eligibility criteria. -
Who attests the Election Identity Card of the parents?
It must be attested by a Gazetted Officer. -
What is the purpose of the Certificate of Birth of the Girl Child in the application?
It verifies the identity and age of the girl child, ensuring she qualifies as the only girl child in the family. -
Can the applicant be from outside Puducherry?
No, the applicant must be a native of Puducherry or have resided continuously for at least five years. -
Is there an alternative document if the applicant doesn’t have an Aadhaar Card?
Yes, the applicant can submit the Aadhaar Enrolment ID along with any one of the alternative documents listed. -
How is the family ration card attested for the application?
It should be attested by a Gazetted Officer. -
What is the role of the Head of the Educational Institution in the application process?
The Head provides a forwarding certificate that confirms the enrollment of the girl child. -
How is the maturity amount of the fixed deposit released?
The maturity amount is released when the girl child attains eighteen years of age. -
Is the financial assistance taxable?
For specific tax-related queries, please refer to the latest government notifications or consult a tax advisor. -
Are there any conditions for utilizing the maturity amount once it’s released?
The released amount is intended to support the future welfare of the girl child, particularly during her marriage; any specific conditions may be detailed in the scheme guidelines.