Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, Aug 8: The Goa government has extended the benefits of the Laadli Laxmi scheme to include orphaned, destitute girls, those born outside wedlock, adopted girls, and those affected by the Tillari Irrigation Project, while keeping the existing eligibility conditions intact.

According to the amended notification, applications on behalf of these girls will be reviewed by a committee chaired by the Secretary of Women and Child Development. Applications must be submitted by a guardian or institution responsible for the girl’s care.

In cases where applicants cannot provide parental documents due to the demise of both parents, their applications will be considered valid if they produce a 15-year residence certificate, birth certificate, and both parents’ death certificates. The requirement for a parental income certificate will be waived.

For girls unable to furnish parental documents due to family opposition to their marriage, the Committee will take a final decision on the application.

Girls affected by the Tillari Irrigation Project and rehabilitated in Goa will be eligible upon producing a certificate from the North Goa Collector confirming relaxation of domicile norms.

Additionally, the application period has been extended from six months to one year.

The department reiterated that the scheme aims to eliminate the perception of girls as financial burdens during marriage. “This scheme must not be misunderstood as a promotion of dowry,” the notification clarified.

The scheme grants Rs 1 lac to eligible married women aged 18 to 45 years, with the amount directly credited to their bank accounts.