Dikri Development Scheme

Dikri Development Scheme is a girl child welfare scheme run by the Department of Health and Family Welfare of the U.T. Administration of Dadra & Nagar Haveli & Daman & Diu. Under this scheme, the government deposits a premium of ₹42,372 into an LIC Single Premium Endowment Plan (No. 917) in the name of the first two living girl children of a family.

The main aim is to save the girl child and improve the sex ratio at birth across the U.T. The money matures when the girl turns 18, which gives her a secure financial base for her education, marriage or any other need at that age.

Dikri Development Scheme - Introduction

The scheme was launched to support the girl child and to bring down female foeticide in the region. By investing in a Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) Single Premium Endowment Plan for the first two living girl children, the government builds a financial foundation for every eligible girl. The girl can use this amount once she completes 18 years of age.

The scheme also encourages institutional deliveries at government or registered private hospitals within the U.T. This helps make sure both mother and child get proper medical care during birth. Antenatal check-ups are required, and a minimum marriage age is fixed, which helps reduce infant and maternal deaths and discourages early marriage.

Objectives

The scheme works towards a few clear goals that benefit the girl child and the family as a whole.

• Improve the sex ratio at birth: The scheme discourages female foeticide and works towards a sex ratio of 950.
• Promote institutional deliveries: By making sure births happen under professional medical care, the scheme improves the safety of both child and mother.
• Keep the family healthy: Antenatal care is required, and teenage pregnancy and early marriage are discouraged.
• Support small family norms: Since the benefit is limited to the first two children, the scheme encourages family planning.

Key Information

Benefits

The financial benefit under this scheme is given in the form of an LIC policy bought in the name of the girl child.

• The government buys an LIC Single Premium Endowment Plan (No. 917) in the name of the girl child for a sum of ₹42,372 (inclusive of all taxes).
• This benefit applies to the first two living girl children of the couple.
• The child can use these funds once she reaches 18 years of age.
• In a life-threatening medical condition, the money can be withdrawn earlier for treatment if certified by the local Medical Board.

Disbursement

The premium is paid directly to LIC through the Public Financial Management System (PFMS) using the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) mode. An authorised officer draws the amount on a Hand Receipt Bill and pays it to LIC for issuing the policy. The payment is made only after the approval of the Competent Authority.

Eligibility

To get the benefit, the family has to meet a few conditions set by the department. At least one parent must be a legal domicile of Dadra & Nagar Haveli & Daman & Diu. The mother must be over 18 years of age at the time of her marriage. The delivery must happen at a government or registered private hospital within the U.T. The mother must complete at least 3 antenatal check-ups as per the Reproductive and Child Health (RCH) guidelines and be registered under the Mother & Child Tracking System. The benefit is limited to the first two living girl children only.

Exclusions

If the girl child passes away before reaching 10 years of age, the scheme benefits are forfeited. If the child passes away after attaining 10 years of age, the maturity amount is released to her legal guardians or parents.

Application Process

The application is submitted offline to the health department through the local health centre. The steps are simple and are given below.

STEP 1 - The mother must submit the official application form, available as Annexure-II in the guidelines, to the Director of Medical & Health Services.

STEP 2 - Attach all required documents, including the Original Institutional Delivery Certificate, birth proof, domicile proof and bank details.

STEP 3 - Submit the application within three months of the delivery to the local Primary Health Center (PHC), Community Health Center (CHC) or Urban Primary Health Center.

STEP 4 - The Medical Officer in-charge verifies the records and forwards them to the State Programme Officer for processing.

STEP 5 - After approval, the government pays the premium directly to the LIC office.

Official Forms

Refer to the official scheme guidelines for copies of Annexures II through V, which contain the application formats, income receipts and medical certificates.

Documents

Keep the following documents ready while applying, as they are checked during verification.

• Original Institutional Delivery Certificate (Annexure III).
• Birth certificates of the child and the mother.
• Domicile certificate issued by a Mamlatdar.
• Marriage proof.
• Aadhaar Card (if available).
• Parental self-declaration about health records and correct information.
• Mother's bank account details, including IFSC and Aadhaar-linked account.

References

• Official Scheme Guidelines PDF
• Official Department Website

FAQ's

What is the primary motive of this scheme?

The scheme aims to save the girl child, improve the sex ratio at birth and provide financial support for a girl's future education or marriage through an LIC endowment policy.

Can I apply if my child was born outside the U.T.?

No. The delivery must take place in an institution located within Dadra & Nagar Haveli & Daman & Diu to be eligible.

How much money is provided?

The government deposits a premium of ₹42,372 into an LIC policy in the girl's name.

Are there penalties for false applications?

Yes. Providing false information leads to legal action, including an FIR against the parents and the return of the premium amount.

Is there a deadline to apply?

Yes. The application must be submitted within three months of the date of delivery.