From support to self-reliance: How Kanya Sumangala Yojana is empowering 2.7 million girls in Uttar Pradesh

The Uttar Pradesh government led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is strengthening its focus on girls' welfare through the Mukhyamantri Kanya Sumangala Yojana, a flagship scheme aimed at education, social security and empowerment of daughters. The scheme reflects the government's belief that daughters are a strength, not a burden. Since its launch, the initiative has positively impacted the lives of nearly 2.7 million girls across the state.

The Kanya Sumangala Yojana was launched in 2019 to promote gender equality, prevent female foeticide, and encourage families to support the birth, education and overall development of girl children. It ensures that financial constraints do not interrupt a girl's education at key stages of life.

So far, the Uttar Pradesh government has disbursed Rs 647.21 crore under the scheme. This large-scale coverage highlights effective implementation and direct benefit transfer to eligible families. The programme has reached beneficiaries across urban and rural areas making it one of the state's most impactful welfare initiatives.

Girls' empowerment continues to be a core focus of the Yogi government. In the current financial year, around 3.28 lakh girls have received financial assistance worth Rs 130.03 crore. The continued budgetary support shows the government's long-term commitment to dignity, education and self-reliance for daughters.

The scheme is meant for families who are permanent residents of Uttar Pradesh and belong to economically weaker sections. Eligibility conditions include annual family income up to Rs 3 lakh and maximum two children per family. This ensures that support reaches families who need it most.

In 2024-25, the government increased the total financial support under the scheme from Rs 15,000 to Rs 25,000 strengthening public trust and participation. The amount is given in six stages linked to important educational milestones:

• Rs 5,000 at the time of birth
• Rs 2,000 after vaccination at age two
• Rs 3,000 on admission to Class 1
• Rs 3,000 on admission to Class 6
• Rs 5,000 on admission to Class 9
• Rs 7,000 after passing Class 10 or 12 and enrolling in a diploma or degree course

By supporting girls from birth to higher education, the Mukhyamantri Kanya Sumangala Yojana is helping families invest in their daughters' futures. The scheme stands as a key pillar of Uttar Pradesh's efforts to create a more equal, secure and self-reliant society.