Goa Laadli Laxmi Scheme 2025: ₹1 Lakh Assistance for Girls Turning 18, Marriage, and Future Expenses

The Laadli Laxmi Scheme was launched on 6th July 2012 by the Department of Women & Child Development, Government of Goa.

The scheme aims to:

• Address the undesirable tendency of female foeticide.
• Remove the perception that a girl child is a financial burden on parents.
• Financially empower the girl child for her education, marriage, and future expenses.
• Improve the female sex ratio in the state.

Benefits

For Unmarried Beneficiaries (Turning 18 On or After 01-04-2012)

• Financial Assistance of ₹1,00,000 via a bank fixed deposit.
• The fixed deposit is jointly held by the Director (DoWCD) and the applicant.
• It is automatically renewed annually, along with interest, until the applicant claims it or until she turns 45 years old (whichever is earlier).

For Married Beneficiaries (Aged 19-45 Years & Born Before 01-04-2012)

• One-time cash assistance of ₹1,00,000.

Eligibility Criteria

1. The applicant must be a girl.
2. The applicant must be:
   • Born in Goa, OR
   • A resident of Goa for at least 15 years.
3. If the applicant is a resident for 15 years, she must have studied in Goa for at least 7 consecutive years.
4. Parental income must not exceed ₹3,00,000 per annum.
5. The applicant must meet one of the following parental criteria:
   • At least one parent is born in Goa and has lived there for 15 years.
   • One parent has lived in Goa for at least 25 years.
6. Special Consideration:
   • Girls affected by the Tillari Irrigation Project (Goa-Maharashtra joint venture) can apply without meeting the domicile requirement, provided they have a certificate from the Collector, North Goa District.

Application Process

Offline Application Steps

1. Fill the Application Form
   • Complete all mandatory fields.
   • Paste a signed passport-sized photograph.
   • Attach self-attested copies of required documents.
2. Submit the Application

   • Send the application to:

     Director, Directorate of Women & Child Development,
     Panaji-Goa, 2nd floor, Old Education Building,
     18th June Road, Altinho, Panaji, Goa – 403 001.

3. Application Deadline
   • Submit the application within one year of:
     • Turning 18 years old.
     • Civil marriage registration.
   • Applications received after one year will be rejected.

Documents Required

Primary Documents

1. Birth Certificate (Self-Attested).
2. Residence Proof (Self-Attested):
   • 15 years of residence proof (Domicile Certificate).
   • School Leaving Certificate & Bonafide Student Certificate (as an alternative).
3. Residence Proof of Parents (15 or 25 years):
   • Domicile Certificate of parent(s) OR
   • Land records, employment certificate, or other acceptable proofs.
   • If a parent is a state/central government employee, a service certificate of 25 years is accepted.
4. Birth Certificate of Parents:
   • If unavailable, submit:
     • Baptism certificate.
     • School leaving certificate of parent(s).
     • Any document proving grandparents lived in Goa at the parent’s birth time.
5. Aadhaar Card (for applicants after 01-04-2013).
6. Self-Declaration (Annexure II format).
7. Income Certificate of Parents (Previous Financial Year):
   • Only includes father and mother’s income, not the full family income.

Additional Documents (For Special Cases)

1. If parents are deceased, the applicant must submit:
   • Birth Certificate.
   • 15 years Residence Certificate.
   • Death Certificates of both parents.
   • Income certificate is waived.
2. For beneficiaries married before 01-04-2012, provide:
   • Civil Marriage Registration Certificate (dated on or after 01-04-2012).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How does the scheme operate through banks?
The financial assistance is held in a joint fixed deposit and can be claimed upon meeting eligibility conditions or by age 45.

Q: Who decides the eligibility of applicants?
The Directorate of Women & Child Development reviews applications. Complex cases are referred to a special committee.

Q: Are the committee’s decisions final?
Yes, all decisions made by the committee regarding eligibility are final and binding.

Q: What happens if an applicant cannot submit parental documents due to family opposition?
The committee may consider alternative proofs in such cases.

Q: Where can I get the application form?
The Directorate of Women & Child Development, Goa provides application forms.

Q: What happens if the beneficiary dies after marriage but before claiming the benefit?
The financial assistance is transferred to the legal heirs as per scheme guidelines.

Q: Under what conditions can the fixed deposit be withdrawn?
The deposit can be withdrawn:

1. When the girl turns 18.
2. After marriage registration.
3. If the applicant remains unmarried, at age 45.

Q: What if the beneficiary does not claim the benefit before turning 45?
The fixed deposit matures, and the amount is transferred to the government.

Q: What if someone avails the scheme fraudulently?
Anyone found providing false information will have to repay the amount with interest and may face legal action.

Q: What happens if documents related to the parent’s background are unavailable?
The committee will review alternate proofs (land records, employment records, etc.).

Q: How does the scheme support beneficiaries facing documentation issues?
Special provisions exist for girls who:

• Lost both parents.
• Face family opposition to marriage.
• Are affected by government projects like Tillari Rehabilitation.

Sources & References

• Official Guidelines
• Application Forms