New Delhi | Special Correspondent: Arun Sharma

In a major push toward girls’ education and financial empowerment, the Delhi government has upgraded its flagship ‘Ladli Scheme’, extending benefits from birth up to graduation and diploma level education. The move aims to ensure that no girl in the capital is forced to drop out of school due to financial hardship.


Announcing the expansion, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta described the initiative as an investment in the nation’s future.
“This is an investment in our daughters’ future, and therefore an investment in the country’s future,” she said, underlining the government’s commitment to educational continuity for girls from economically weaker families.


Financial Support from Birth to Graduation
Under the revised framework, eligible beneficiaries will receive financial assistance of up to ₹56,000, deposited directly into Aadhaar-linked bank accounts in phased installments.
Break-up of Assistance:
At birth – ₹11,000
On admission to Classes I, VI, IX & XII – ₹5,000 each
On passing Class X – ₹5,000
On completion of Graduation or recognized Diploma – ₹20,000 (phased)
According to the government, the maturity amount can be claimed after the beneficiary turns 18 and passes Class XII, or at 21 years upon completion of higher education. With accrued interest, the total maturity value may exceed ₹1 lakh.


Relief for Pending Beneficiaries
Chief Minister Rekha Gupta also addressed pending disbursements under the earlier version of the scheme. Nearly 1.9 lakh accounts had outstanding payments.


In 2025, around 30,000 beneficiaries received ₹90 crore.
Another 41,000 beneficiaries have been identified, with nearly ₹100 crore in the process of release.
Overall, approximately ₹190 crore is set to be distributed to eligible girls.


Revised Eligibility Criteria
Under the updated guidelines:
The girl must be born in Delhi.
The family must have been residing in Delhi for at least three years.
Annual family income must not exceed ₹1.2 lakh.
A maximum of two living daughters per family are eligible.


The scheme now extends to girls pursuing graduation or professional diplomas in recognized institutions across India. Importantly, girls residing in government shelter homes have also been included. The entire application and disbursement process will be conducted online.


A Strong Message on Girls’ Empowerment
Political observers believe the expansion sends a powerful social message promoting girls’ education and long-term empowerment. By linking financial incentives to academic milestones, the Delhi government aims to curb dropout rates and encourage higher education among girls from underprivileged backgrounds.


With this step, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta positions the Ladli Scheme as not merely financial assistance, but a structured pathway toward educational equality and women’s empowerment in the national capital.