Launched on 1 January 2008, Delhi’s Ladli Scheme aims to empower girls by linking financial assistance to key life and educational milestones. The scheme disburses aid in multiple instalments: ₹11,000 for institutional delivery and ₹10,000 for home birth (for girls born on or after 1 January 2008). Subsequent grants of ₹5,000 each are released at school admissions in Class I, VI, IX, upon passing Class X, and at admission to Class XII.

To qualify, a family’s annual income must not exceed ₹1,00,000, the family must have lived in Delhi for at least 3 years, and the girl must be born in Delhi. The scheme covers only two daughters per family. The school she attends must be recognised by Delhi’s government bodies.

The funds are deposited with SBI Life Insurance Ltd. and accrue interest until maturity. Once the girl passes Class X or turns 18, she can claim the accumulated amount for higher education, vocational training or to start a micro­enterprise.

This year, on October 1, 2025, the Delhi government is expected to disburse pending benefits to around 40,000 eligible girls in a special event at Talkatora Stadium, as part of the Seva Pakhwada campaign. Officials say many payments remained unclaimed because beneficiaries changed schools, moved districts, or failed to update applications in time.

In effect, Ladli Yongana is a long-term social investment: it cushions economic burdens for families, encourages girls’ retention in school, and aims to uplift their future prospects through education and empowerment.