The Tamil Nadu Chief Minister’s Girl Child Protection Scheme (CMGCPS) is a flagship initiative of the Government of Tamil Nadu aimed at safeguarding the future of girl children while promoting gender equality and women empowerment. Launched in 1992, the scheme plays a crucial role in preventing female infanticide, encouraging girls’ education, and ensuring financial security for girl children in economically weaker familiar
Objectives of the Scheme
The Chief Minister’s Girl Child Protection Scheme focuses on:
Preventing female infanticide and eliminating gender discrimination.
Ensuring education up to secondary school for girl children.
Promoting marriage only after the legal age of 18 years.
Supporting the small family norm, particularly families with two girl children.
Safeguarding the rights of girl children and empowering them socially and financials
Categories of the Scheme
The scheme has two categories:
Scheme I: For families with only one girl child.
Scheme II: For families with two girl children only.
Financial Assistance & Benefits
Under this scheme, the Tamil Nadu government provides attractive financial support:
1. Scheme I (One Girl Child)
A deposit of ₹50,000 is made in the name of the girl child in the Tamil Nadu Power Finance and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited.
2. Scheme II (Two Girl Children)
A deposit of ₹25,000 is made in the name of each girl child.
3. Annual Incentive
From the sixth year onwards, an annual incentive of ₹1,800 is given for educational expenses.
4. Maturity Amount
The deposit is renewed every five years.
When the girl child turns 18 years old and has appeared for the 10th standard public examination, she can claim the maturity amount with interest.
For children born after August 1, 2011:
Scheme I: Approx. ₹3,00,232
Scheme II: Approx. ₹1,50,117 for each girl child
Eligibility Criteria
Families applying for the scheme must meet the following conditions:
Income Limit: Annual family income should not exceed ₹72,000 (some sources state ₹1,20,000).
Family Planning: Either parent must have undergone sterilization before the age of 40 years.
No Male Child: The family should not have a male heir at the time of application, nor adopt one later.
Residency: Parents or grandparents should have lived in Tamil Nadu for at least 10 years.
Application Deadline: Must apply within three years of the birth of the second girl child.
Application Process
Applicants can apply through the nearest e-Seva Center or Common Service Center (CSC).
Steps to Apply:
1. Visit the CSC/e-Seva center.
2. Complete biometric verification.
3. Fill out the application form.
4. Upload required documents.
5. Receive acknowledgment receipt.
Required Documents:
Birth certificate of the girl child.
Age proof of parents.
Sterilization certificate.
Income certificate.
Certificate stating there is no male child.
Residence certificate.
Community certificate.
Conclusion
The Tamil Nadu Chief Minister’s Girl Child Protection Scheme is a landmark initiative that ensures financial stability, education, and empowerment for girl children. By addressing social issues like female infanticide and gender inequality, this scheme helps create a brighter and more secure future for girls in Tamil Nadu.
