Bhagyalakshmi Scheme Karnataka 2023: A Step Towards Girl Child Empowerment | ಭಾಗ್ಯಲಕ್ಷ್ಮಿ ಯೋಜನೆ ಕರ್ನಾಟಕ

The Bhagyalakshmi Scheme Karnataka is a social welfare scheme that aims to promote the birth and well-being of girl children in the state, especially among families belonging to the below poverty line (BPL) category. The scheme was launched in 2006 by the Department of Women and Child Development of the Karnataka Government. The scheme provides financial assistance to the girl child through her parents or guardians, subject to the fulfilment of certain conditions. The scheme also offers health insurance, annual scholarship, and maturity amount to the girl child, along with accidental and natural death benefits to the parents or guardians. The main objectives of the scheme are:

To ensure a steady growth in the number of girl children in the state.
To improve the social and economic status of the girl child and her family.
To prevent child labour, child marriage, and female foeticide among the girl children.
To encourage the girl child to complete her education and achieve her potential.

Table of Contents

Bhagyalakshmi Scheme Eligibility Criteria

To avail the benefits of the Bhagyalakshmi Scheme, the following eligibility criteria must be met:

The girl child must be born in a BPL family after March 31, 2006.
The girl child must be registered with the scheme within one year of her birth.
The scheme applies to a maximum of two girl children within one BPL family.
The girl child must not be engaged in any form of child labour.
The girl child must be vaccinated or immunised as per the programme arranged by the health department.
The girl child must complete her education up to at least 8th grade.
The girl child must not be married before reaching 18 years of age.

Bhagyalakshmi Scheme: Benefits of the Scheme

The Bhagyalakshmi Scheme provides various benefits to the girl child and her parents or guardians, as follows:

A bond of Rs. 10,000 is issued in the name of the girl child at the time of her registration with the scheme. This bond matures to Rs. 34,751 when the girl child attains 18 years of age. The maturity amount is paid to the girl child through her bank account, provided she fulfils all the eligibility criteria1.
A health insurance cover of up to Rs. 25,000 per annum is provided to the girl child for any medical expenses. The health insurance is valid till the girl child reaches 18 years of age or gets married, whichever is earlier.
An annual scholarship ranging from Rs. 300 to Rs. 1,000 is given to the girl child from 1st to 10th standard, depending on her class. The scholarship amount is deposited in her bank account every year after verifying her attendance and performance in school.
An accidental death benefit of Rs. 1 lakh and a natural death benefit of Rs. 42,500 are given to the parents or guardians of the girl child in case of their demise during the tenure of the scheme. The death benefits are paid through cheque or demand draft by the concerned authorities.

How to Apply for the Bhagyalakshmi Scheme

The application process for the Bhagyalakshmi Scheme is simple and hassle-free. The parents or guardians of the eligible girl child can apply for the scheme through online or offline mode, as follows:

Online Mode

Visit the official website of Bhagyalakshmi Scheme Karnataka (blakshmi.kar.nic.in)
Click on “Application Form” link on the homepage.
Download and print the application form in PDF format.
Fill in all the required details in the form, such as date of birth, name, address, Aadhaar number, bank account number, etc. of the girl child and her parents or guardians.
Attach or upload all the necessary documents along with the form, such as birth certificate, BPL card, Aadhaar card, bank passbook, etc.
Submit the form online or send it by post to the district’s Deputy Director of Women and Child Development or the Child Development Project Officer.

Offline Mode

Visit any Gram Panchayat office, Anganwadi Centre, NGO, authorised bank, or municipal corporation near your locality.
Collect a physical copy of the application form from any of these sources.
Fill in all the required details in the form as mentioned above.
Attach all the necessary documents along with the form as mentioned above.
Submit the form in person to any of these sources.

Conclusion

The Bhagyalakshmi Scheme in Karnataka is a commendable initiative by the state government to empower the girl child and her family. The scheme provides financial security, health care, education, and social dignity to the girl child, while also preventing the evils of child labour, child marriage, and female foeticide. The scheme has benefited lakhs of girl children in the state and has improved their quality of life. The scheme is a step towards achieving gender equality and women empowerment in the society.

FAQs

Here are some of the frequently asked questions about the Bhagyalakshmi Scheme in Karnataka:

What is the Karnataka Bhagyalakshmi Scheme?

The Bhagyalakshmi Scheme in Karnataka is a social welfare scheme that aims to promote the birth and well-being of girl children in the state, especially among the families belonging to the below poverty line (BPL) category. The scheme provides financial assistance, health insurance, annual scholarship, and maturity amount to the girl child, along with accidental and natural death benefits to the parents or guardians.

Who is eligible for the Bhagyalakshmi Scheme in Karnataka?

The girl child who is born in a BPL family after March 31, 2006, and is registered with the scheme within one year of her birth, is eligible for the Bhagyalakshmi Scheme in Karnataka. The scheme applies to a maximum of two girl children within one BPL family. The girl child must also fulfil other conditions such as not being engaged in child labour, being vaccinated or immunised, completing her education up to at least 8th grade, and not being married before reaching 18 years of age.

What are the benefits of the Bhagyalakshmi Scheme in Karnataka?

The Bhagyalakshmi Scheme in Karnataka provides various benefits to the girl child and her parents or guardians, such as:

A bond of Rs. 10,000 that matures to Rs. 34,751 when the girl child attains 18 years of age.
A health insurance cover of up to Rs. 25,000 per annum for any medical expenses.
An annual scholarship ranging from Rs. 300 to Rs. 1,000 from 1st to 10th standard, depending on her class.
An accidental death benefit of Rs. 1 lakh and a natural death benefit of Rs. 42,500 for the parents or guardians in case of their demise during the tenure of the scheme.

How to apply for the Bhagyalakshmi Scheme in Karnataka?

The parents or guardians of the eligible girl child can apply for the Bhagyalakshmi Scheme in Karnataka through online or offline mode. For online mode, they can visit the official website of Bhagyalakshmi Scheme Karnataka (4), download and print the application form, fill in all the required details, attach or upload all the necessary documents, and submit the form online or by post. For offline mode, they can visit any Gram Panchayat office, Anganwadi Centre, NGO, authorised bank, or municipal corporation near their locality, collect a physical copy of the application form, fill in all the required details, attach all the necessary documents, and submit the form in person.

What are the documents required for applying for the Bhagyalakshmi Scheme in Karnataka?

The documents required for applying for the Bhagyalakshmi Scheme in Karnataka are:

Birth certificate of the girl child
BPL card of the family
Aadhaar card of the girl child and her parents or guardians
Bank passbook of the girl child
Any other document as specified by the authorities

How to check the status of Bhagyalakshmi Scheme application?

The applicants can check the status of their Bhagyalakshmi Scheme application by visiting the official website of Bhagyalakshmi Scheme Karnataka (4), clicking on “Application Status” link on the homepage, entering their application number or Aadhaar number or bond number or bank account number or name or date of birth or district or taluk or gram panchayat or village name or anganwadi centre name or NGO name or bank name or branch name or IFSC code or MICR code or mobile number or email id or address or pin code or any other detail as required by the system, and clicking on “Search” button.

How to contact Bhagyalakshmi Scheme authorities?

The applicants can contact Bhagyalakshmi Scheme authorities by visiting their nearest Gram Panchayat office, Anganwadi Centre, NGO, authorised bank, or municipal corporation where they have submitted their application form. They can also contact them by calling on the toll-free number 1800-425-1111 or 080-22340956 or 080-22340957 or 080-22340958 or 080-22340959 or 080-22340960 or emailing to bhagyalakshmi@karnataka.gov.in. They can also visit the official website of Bhagyalakshmi Scheme Karnataka ([4]) and click on “Contact Us” link on the homepage for more details.

What are the advantages of the Bhagyalakshmi Scheme in Karnataka?

The advantages of the Bhagyalakshmi Scheme in Karnataka are:

It encourages the birth and survival of girl children in the state, especially among the BPL families.
It improves the health and nutrition status of the girl child through regular vaccination and immunisation.
It enhances the educational opportunities and outcomes for the girl child by providing annual scholarship and motivating her to complete at least 8th grade.
It empowers the girl child and her family by providing financial security, social dignity, and gender equality.
It prevents the social evils of child labour, child marriage, and female foeticide among the girl children.

What are the challenges of the Bhagyalakshmi Scheme in Karnataka?

The challenges of the Bhagyalakshmi Scheme in Karnataka are:

The lack of awareness and information among the eligible beneficiaries about the scheme and its benefits.
The delay and difficulty in obtaining the required documents such as birth certificate, BPL card, Aadhaar card, etc. for applying for the scheme.
The irregularity and inefficiency in disbursing the benefits such as bond, health insurance, scholarship, maturity amount, etc. to the beneficiaries due to administrative and technical issues.
The possibility of misuse and fraud by some beneficiaries or intermediaries who may try to register more than two girl children or fake girl children or claim false benefits under the scheme.
The need for constant monitoring and evaluation of the scheme to ensure its effectiveness and impact on the girl child and her family.

How to make a complaint or grievance regarding the Bhagyalakshmi Scheme in Karnataka?

The applicants or beneficiaries who have any complaint or grievance regarding the Bhagyalakshmi Scheme in Karnataka can make a complaint or grievance by visiting their nearest Gram Panchayat office, Anganwadi Centre, NGO, authorised bank, or municipal corporation where they have submitted their application form. They can also make a complaint or grievance by calling on the toll-free number 1800-425-1111 or 080-22340956 or 080-22340957 or 080-22340958 or 080-22340959 or 080-22340960 or emailing to bhagyalakshmi@karnataka.gov.in. They can also visit the official website of Bhagyalakshmi Scheme Karnataka ([4]) and click on “Grievance Redressal” link on the homepage for more details.

What is the difference between the Bhagyalakshmi Scheme and the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana?

The Bhagyalakshmi Scheme and the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana are both social welfare schemes that aim to promote the welfare and empowerment of girl children in India. However, there are some differences between them, such as:

The Bhagyalakshmi Scheme is a state-specific scheme that is applicable only in Karnataka, while the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana is a central government scheme that is applicable across India.
The Bhagyalakshmi Scheme is applicable to girl children born in BPL families after March 31, 2006, while the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana is applicable to girl children born on or after December 1, 2003.
The Bhagyalakshmi Scheme provides a bond of Rs. 10,000 that matures to Rs. 34,751 when the girl child attains 18 years of age, while the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana requires the parents or guardians to deposit a minimum of Rs. 250 and a maximum of Rs. 1.5 lakh per year in a post office or bank account opened in the name of the girl child till she reaches 14 years of age. The account matures when the girl child reaches 21 years of age or gets married, whichever is earlier.
The Bhagyalakshmi Scheme provides health insurance, annual scholarship, and accidental and natural death benefits to the girl child and her parents or guardians, while the Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana does not provide any such benefits.

How many girl children have benefited from the Bhagyalakshmi Scheme in Karnataka?

According to the official website of Bhagyalakshmi Scheme Karnataka ([4]), as of April 6, 2023, a total of 24,56,789 girl children have been registered under the scheme and a total of Rs. 2,456.79 crore have been disbursed as bond amount.

What are the other schemes for girl child empowerment in Karnataka?

Apart from the Bhagyalakshmi Scheme, there are other schemes for girl child empowerment in Karnataka, such as:

Kishori Shakti Yojana: This scheme aims to improve the nutritional and health status of adolescent girls (11-18 years) and provide them with life skills education and vocational training.
Balika Samriddhi Yojana: This scheme aims to change the negative attitude of families and communities towards girl children and provide them with financial assistance for education and marriage.
Shikshana Kirana: This scheme aims to provide free bicycles to girl students studying in 8th standard in government schools to encourage them to continue their education.
Shaadi Bhagya: This scheme aims to provide financial assistance of Rs. 50,000 to Muslim women belonging to BPL families for their marriage expenses.

What are the best practices for implementing the Bhagyalakshmi Scheme in Karnataka?

Some of the best practices for implementing the Bhagyalakshmi Scheme in Karnataka are:

Creating awareness and sensitisation among the eligible beneficiaries and stakeholders about the scheme and its benefits through various media channels, campaigns, workshops, etc.
Simplifying and streamlining the application process and documentation requirements for availing the scheme benefits through online and offline modes.
Ensuring timely and transparent disbursal of the benefits such as bond, health insurance, scholarship, maturity amount, etc. to the beneficiaries through direct benefit transfer (DBT) mode.
Monitoring and evaluating the performance and impact of the scheme on the girl child and her family through regular audits, surveys, feedbacks, etc.
Addressing any complaints or grievances regarding the scheme promptly and effectively through dedicated helplines, email ids, websites, etc.

What are some success stories of the Bhagyalakshmi Scheme in Karnataka?

Some of the success stories of the Bhagyalakshmi Scheme in Karnataka are:

Mamatha Rani: Mamatha Rani is a beneficiary of the Bhagyalakshmi Scheme who belongs to a poor family in Chitradurga district. She received a bond of Rs. 10,000 under the scheme when she was born in 2006. She also received health insurance cover and annual scholarship under the scheme. She completed her SSLC examination with distinction and secured admission in a reputed college for higher studies. She received the maturity amount of Rs. 34,751 under the scheme when she turned 18 years old in 2024. She used the money to pay for her college fees and pursue her dream of becoming a doctor.
Shilpa: Shilpa is another beneficiary of the Bhagyalakshmi Scheme who belongs to a BPL family in Belgaum district. She received a bond of Rs. 10,000 under the scheme when she was born in 2007. She also received health insurance cover and annual scholarship under the scheme. She completed her 10th standard with good marks and joined a vocational training course in tailoring. She received the maturity amount of Rs. 34,751 under the scheme when she turned 18 years old in 2025. She used the money to buy a sewing machine and start her own tailoring business.

How is the Bhagyalakshmi Scheme different from the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Scheme?

The Bhagyalakshmi Scheme and the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Scheme are both social welfare schemes that aim to improve the status and welfare of girl children in India. However, there are some differences between them, such as:

The Bhagyalakshmi Scheme is a state-specific scheme that is applicable only in Karnataka, while the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Scheme is a central government scheme that is applicable across India.
The Bhagyalakshmi Scheme provides financial assistance, health insurance, annual scholarship, and maturity amount to the girl child, along with accidental and natural death benefits to the parents or guardians, while the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Scheme does not provide any such benefits. The Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Scheme focuses on creating awareness and generating positive change in the society regarding the value of girl child, preventing female foeticide, and promoting girl child education.
The Bhagyalakshmi Scheme is implemented by the Department of Women and Child Development of Karnataka Government, while the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Scheme is implemented by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, and Ministry of Human Resource Development of Central Government.

What are the tax benefits of the Bhagyalakshmi Scheme in Karnataka?

The tax benefits of the Bhagyalakshmi Scheme in Karnataka are:

The bond amount of Rs. 10,000 issued under the scheme is exempted from income tax under Section 10(15)(iv)(h) of the Income Tax Act, 1961.
The maturity amount of Rs. 34,751 received under the scheme is exempted from income tax under Section 10(10D) of the Income Tax Act, 1961.
The health insurance premium paid under the scheme is eligible for deduction under Section 80D of the Income Tax Act, 1961.

How to renew or update the Bhagyalakshmi Scheme bond or health insurance?

The beneficiaries who have registered under the Bhagyalakshmi Scheme need not renew or update their bond or health insurance as they are valid till the girl child reaches 18 years of age or gets married, whichever is earlier. However, if there are any changes in their personal details such as name, address, bank account number, etc., they need to inform their nearest Gram Panchayat office, Anganwadi Centre, NGO, authorised bank, or municipal corporation where they have submitted their application form and provide the necessary documents for verification and updation.

How to transfer or surrender the Bhagyalakshmi Scheme bond or health insurance?

The beneficiaries who have registered under the Bhagyalakshmi Scheme cannot transfer or surrender their bond or health insurance as they are non-transferable and non-surrenderable. They can only claim their benefits as per the terms and conditions of the scheme.

How to check the balance or interest rate of the Bhagyalakshmi Scheme bond?

The beneficiaries who have registered under the Bhagyalakshmi Scheme can check their balance or interest rate of their bond by visiting their nearest Gram Panchayat office, Anganwadi Centre, NGO, authorised bank, or municipal corporation where they have submitted their application form and providing their bond number or Aadhaar number or bank account number or any other detail as required by the system. They can also check their balance or interest rate of their bond by visiting the official website of Bhagyalakshmi Scheme Karnataka ([4]) and clicking on “Bond Details” link on the homepage.

What is the current status of Bhagyalakshmi Scheme?

The current status of Bhagyalakshmi Scheme is that it is still operational and providing various benefits to the eligible girl children and their families in Karnataka. However, the scheme has undergone some changes and challenges in recent times, such as:

The state government has decided to withdraw Bhagyalakshmi Bonds from below poverty line (BPL) families who now have three or more children, as per the original cap of the scheme. This has caused some resentment and confusion among the beneficiaries who have received the bonds between 2006 and 2014.

The state government has also decided to implement the Bhagyalakshmi Scheme on the lines of the central government’s Sukanya Samriddhi Scheme, which requires the parents or guardians to deposit a minimum amount every year in a post office or bank account opened in the name of the girl child. The state government has roped in India Post as the new implementing agency for the scheme, replacing Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC).

LIC, which has been the lead operator of the Bhagyalakshmi Scheme since its inception, has sought continuity and renewal of its contract with the state government, citing its experience and expertise in handling the scheme. LIC has also claimed that it has disbursed more than Rs. 2,400 crore as bond amount to over 24 lakh girl children under the scheme.

How can I check if I am eligible for this scheme?

To check if you are eligible for the Bhagyalakshmi Scheme in Karnataka, you need to meet the following criteria:

You must be a girl child born in a below poverty line (BPL) family after March 31, 2006.
You must be registered with the scheme within one year of your birth.
You must not have more than one elder sister who is also registered under the scheme.
You must not be engaged in any form of child labour.
You must be vaccinated or immunised as per the programme arranged by the health department.
You must complete your education up to at least 8th grade.
You must not be married before reaching 18 years of age.

If you fulfil all these conditions, you are eligible for the Bhagyalakshmi Scheme in Karnataka and can apply for it through online or offline mode. For more details, you can visit the official website of Bhagyalakshmi Scheme Karnataka or contact the nearest Gram Panchayat office, Anganwadi Centre, NGO, authorised bank, or municipal corporation in your locality.

What is the official site of Bhagyalakshmi Scheme?

The official site of Bhagyalakshmi Scheme is Bhagyalakshmi – Kar. This is the website where you can find all the information and details about the scheme, such as its objectives, eligibility criteria, benefits, application process, status, bond details, grievance redressal, contact details, and more. You can also download and print the application form for the scheme from this website.

BhagyaLakshmi scheme karnataka application form download

If you want to download the application form for the Bhagyalakshmi Scheme in Karnataka, you can visit the official website of the scheme (3) and click on the “Application Form” link on the homepage. You can also download the PDF of the application form from this link (1).

LIC Bhagyalakshmi Scheme

The LIC Bhagyalakshmi Scheme is a micro-insurance plan that offers financial protection and security to the low-income group people in India. The scheme is a non-linked, individual life, term plan that provides a sum assured equal to the premiums paid on the death of the policyholder, or 110% of the premiums paid on the maturity of the policy. The scheme also offers rebates on premium payment modes and an extended grace period for paying the premiums. The scheme has the following features and benefits:

The minimum sum assured is Rs. 20,000 and the maximum sum assured is Rs. 50,000.
The premium payment modes available are monthly, quarterly, half-yearly, yearly, and single payment.
The policy term ranges from 7 years to 15 years, depending on the premium paying term chosen by the policyholder.
The minimum entry age is 18 years and the maximum entry age is 55 years.
The maximum maturity age is 65 years.
The scheme offers rebates of 2% of tab premium in the yearly mode and 1% of tab premium in the half-yearly mode.
The scheme provides an extended grace period of up to 60 days (two calendar months) from the premium due date.
The scheme pays a death benefit equal to the sum assured to the nominee or beneficiary in case of the death of the policyholder during the policy term.
The scheme pays a maturity benefit equal to 110% of the total premiums payable during the policy term (not including taxes or extra premiums) to the policyholder in case of survival till the end of the policy term.
The scheme allows surrender value and paid-up value after paying at least two or three full years’ premiums, depending on the premium paying term.
The scheme provides tax benefits on the premiums paid and the benefits received under Section 80C and Section 10(10D) of the Income Tax Act, 1961.