Jahangeer Ganaie
Srinagar, Mar 14: Voices are growing across Jammu and Kashmir demanding the extension of the Ladli Beti Scheme to all districts of the Union Territory, with residents questioning why the scheme currently covers only a limited number of districts while many others remain excluded.
The scheme, which was launched to promote the birth and education of girl children and to discourage gender discrimination, is presently operational in only eight districts of Jammu and Kashmir, leaving twelve districts outside its ambit. This selective implementation has drawn criticism from locals who argue that the benefits should reach every eligible girl across the region.
People from several districts said that the scheme was initially designed to address concerns regarding the low girl-child ratio and to encourage families to support the education and well-being of girls. However, they alleged that the criteria for selecting districts have not been applied fairly.
“Some districts where the girl child ratio is comparatively better have been included under the scheme, while others with lower ratios have been left out. This raises serious questions about the selection process,” said a resident of Shopian.
Another resident from Ganderbal said that limiting the scheme to a few districts undermines its broader objective of promoting gender equality and empowering girls. “Every girl deserves equal opportunity and support. Restricting the scheme to a handful of districts creates inequality and leaves many deserving families without assistance,” he added.
He added that Ganderbal has a lower girl child ratio than many districts included in the scheme, and due to unknown reasons, this district hasn’t been covered under the scheme.
Ladli Beti Scheme provides financial support to families of girl children, which is deposited in a bank account and can later be utilised for the girl’s education or other important needs once she reaches adulthood. Many families, especially from economically weaker sections, view the scheme as a significant support mechanism.
Waqar Fayaz, a social activist, said that extending the scheme to all districts would help improve awareness regarding the importance of educating girls and discourage gender bias. “The government should ensure that such welfare initiatives are inclusive. If the aim is to protect and empower the girl child, then the scheme must be implemented uniformly across the entire Union Territory,” he said.
Parents also expressed disappointment that their daughters are unable to benefit from the scheme simply because their district is not covered. “Our daughters are as deserving as any other child. The government should not differentiate between districts when it comes to schemes meant for the welfare of girls,” said another resident from Kulgam.
People have urged the Omar Abdullah-led government to review the existing policy and expand the coverage of the scheme so that families in all twenty districts of Jammu and Kashmir can avail its benefits.
