No proposal to extend Ladli Beti scheme beyond eight J&K districts: Govt

Jammu, Mar 28: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has clarified that there is currently no proposal to extend the Ladli Beti Scheme to additional districts, stating that the scheme continues to remain limited to eight districts where it was initially implemented based on demographic concerns.
Replying to a question raised by MLA Qaisar Jamshed Lone in the Legislative Assembly, Social Welfare Minister Sakeena Itoo informed the House that the scheme is presently operational in eight districts—Srinagar, Budgam, Pulwama, Anantnag, Jammu, Kishtwar, Kathua and Samba.
She said that 2,03,550 beneficiaries have been enrolled under the scheme so far across these districts, reflecting a significant outreach since its inception.
The Minister elaborated that the Ladli Beti Scheme was launched on a pilot basis in 2015 in six districts—Jammu, Kathua, Samba, Budgam, Pulwama and Anantnag—vide Government Order No. 186-SW of 2015 dated September 8, 2015. Subsequently, Srinagar and Kishtwar districts were added in 2016 through Government Order No. 154-SW of 2016 dated August 4, 2016.
Itoo clarified that the selection of these districts was guided by the low female child sex ratio at the time, and not merely by overall female sex ratio indicators. “As of now, there is no proposal under consideration for extending the scheme to other districts,” she said.
Highlighting the broader objectives of the initiative, the Minister said the scheme aims to ensure financial security for girl children and promote a positive societal attitude towards them.
She added that the department is actively working to strengthen the scheme through awareness campaigns, grassroots outreach, and community engagement programmes.
“These efforts are focused on addressing deep-rooted social biases and encouraging a more supportive environment for the girl child,” she said.
The Ladli Beti Scheme provides financial assistance to girl children, with long-term benefits aimed at supporting their education and welfare, while also tackling gender disparities in society. (KNO)