Grant of Financial Assistance to the Poor Parents Having Only One Girl Child Who is Studying 8th to 10th Standard is a welfare scheme of the Department of Women and Child Development, Government of Puducherry. It gives ₹25,000 to parents who have only one girl child studying in 8th to 10th standard. The support encourages small family norms and helps parents manage the cost of their daughter's future needs.
The money is placed in a fixed deposit in the form of a National Savings Certificate in the name of the girl child. The maturity amount is released when she turns eighteen, or at the time of her marriage. The scheme continues to accept applications through the official channels for the 2026-27 period.
Grant of Financial Assistance to the Poor Parents Having Only One Girl Child - Introduction
This scheme is designed to treat the girl child as an asset and to share the burden of parents at the time of her marriage. It is open to poor families in Puducherry who have only one living child, and that child should be a girl. The scheme has been running since the academic year 2004-05 and is still active for the current year.
The assistance of ₹25,000 is invested on behalf of the girl child. The mother of the child acts as the guardian of the minor's account. If the mother is not alive, the father takes over as the guardian. The amount stays safe until the girl reaches eighteen years of age, at which point the maturity amount is paid out.
Families who have undergone family planning can also look into the related Grant of Incentive to the Family Having One or Two Girl Children scheme for more support.
Key Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Grant of Financial Assistance to the Poor Parents Having Only One Girl Child Who is Studying 8th to 10th Standard |
| Level | State |
| Beneficiary State | Puducherry |
| Category | Social Welfare and Empowerment, Women and Child |
| Benefit Amount | ₹25,000 in fixed deposit |
| Benefit Type | Cash (Fixed Deposit) |
| Nodal Department | Women and Child Development Department, Puducherry |
| Application Mode | Offline and Online |
| Official Website | py.gov.in |
Benefits
Under this scheme, the government invests ₹25,000 in a fixed deposit through a National Savings Certificate held in the name of the girl child. This amount remains safe and earns interest until she reaches the age of eighteen. At that point, the full maturity amount becomes available for her use.
If the girl child passes away before completing eighteen years due to an accident or any other reason, the amount along with the accrued interest is released to the mother or father, with preference given to the mother if both parents are living.
Eligibility
To receive this support, the parents need to meet the following conditions:
- The parents should be Indian citizens and natives of Puducherry by birth, or should have lived there continuously for at least five years.
- The family should have only one living child, and that child should be a girl. The parents should not have any other issue.
- The total annual family income should not exceed ₹75,000.
- The girl child should be studying in 8th to 10th standard in a government or government-recognised school.
Application Process
Applications can be made both offline and online. The steps are given below.
Offline Application
STEP 1 - Collect the application form from the local office of the Department of Women and Child Development during working hours.
STEP 2 - Fill in all the required details and attach the supporting documents, including the forwarding certificate from the head of the school where the girl child is studying.
STEP 3 - Submit the completed form to the Deputy Director (Women Development) in the Puducherry region, the Child Development Project Officer in Karaikal, or the Social Welfare Organiser in the outlying regions of Mahe and Yanam.
STEP 4 - Ask for an acknowledgment receipt for your records and submit the application well before the deadline.
Online Application
Applications can also be made through the e-District Portal. First-time users should register a new account. After logging in, select this scheme from the list, fill the form, and upload the required documents. After submitting, save the application number to track the application progress online.
Documents
Keep the following documents ready while applying:
- Income and residence certificates issued by the Revenue Department.
- Birth certificate of the girl child.
- Forwarding certificate from the head of the educational institution where the girl child is studying.
- Certificate proving that the family has only one living girl child and no other issue.
- Copy of the family ration card and parents' election identity card, attested by a Gazetted Officer.
- Certificate from an MP, MLA, Commissioner of Municipality, or a revenue officer not below the rank of Deputy Tahsildar.
- Passport-sized photograph of the family.
References
Official Scheme Page | Scheme Rules PDF | RTI Manual | Track Your Application
FAQ's
Is there an income cap for this scheme?
Yes, the total annual family income should not exceed ₹75,000 to qualify for the scheme.
What form does the financial assistance take?
The ₹25,000 is invested in a National Savings Certificate, which matures when the girl child turns eighteen.
Can I apply if I live outside Puducherry?
No, the parents should be natives of Puducherry by birth or should have lived there continuously for at least five years.
Who needs to attest the identity documents?
The family ration card and parents' election identity cards should be attested by a Gazetted Officer.
What happens if the girl child passes away before eighteen years?
The amount with the accrued interest is released to the mother or father, with preference given to the mother if both parents are living.