Cabinet approves deal with SBI for Ladli scheme

New Delhi, Feb 25 (UNI) The Delhi Cabinet today approved an arrangement with the State Bank of India to effectively implement the 'Ladli' Scheme, which intends to enhance the social status of the girl child, promote and ensure their education and protect them from discrimination and deprivation.

The decision was taken at a Cabinet Meeting presided over by Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit.

While briefing the media after the Cabinet Meeting, Ms Dikshit said that Government has obtained the most competitive interest rate for the fixed deposit in the name of the girl child and also avail of the highest standard of service for the successful implementation of the Scheme.

Government sources said the SBI, along with its insurance company has agreed to offer maximum possible interest on amount to be deposited in the girl child's account at different stages by the City-Government.

This would pave the way for accumulation of deposit upto Rs 1 lakh which would become payable to the girl child on attaining the age of 18 years and passing out in 10th standard.

The Government has also decided to enhance its contribution to Rs 10,000 on birth of the girl child. It would also contribute Rs 5000 each on her admission to 1st standard, 6th standard, 9th standard, 10th standard and 12th standard.

The eligibility conditions for girl child born on or after Jauary one, 2008 states that the applicant must be a bonafide resident of Delhi for at least three years preceding the date of application, the girl child must have been born in Delhi and the annual income of the parents of the girl child should not exceed Rs one lakh.

Ms Dikshit said that new financial arrangement will streamline and simplify procedures and go a long way in tackling the menace of sex selective abortions.

UNI MMG MSJ ND1724