Laadli Laxmi Scheme

A1: The operation of the scheme through the bank/financial institution will be governed by a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which outlines the terms and conditions related to the bank account, fixed deposit account/certificate, interest accrual, payment authorization procedure, and payment terms by the Government. The MoU also covers the process of crediting the Government on closure of individual accounts.

The Committee responsible for deciding the eligibility of applicants under the scheme consists of the Secretary to the Government of Goa in charge of the Department of Women and Child Development as Chairperson, a Social Worker appointed by the Government as Member, an Additional/Joint Secretary to Government of Goa in charge of the Department of Finance as Member, and the Director of the Directorate of Women and Child Development as Member Secretary.

Yes, the decisions made by the Committee regarding eligibility are final and binding. The scheme does not allow any appeal or request for reconsideration of the Committee's decision.

The Committee reviews applications from girl children who are orphans, destitute children, born outside a legitimate wedlock, adopted girl children, or any other cases that fall under the objective of the scheme. If the application is made by the guardians or the institutions/organizations taking care of the child, it is referred to the Committee.

In cases where applicants are unable to produce documents related to their parent's birth, residence, etc. due to their parent's opposition to their marriage, such applications are placed before the Committee for a decision.

Eligible applicants can obtain the application form (Annexure-I) from the designated Offices notified by the Director of Women and Child Development or designated branches of the bank concerned. The scheme strictly accepts applications in the specified format, and reprographic copies or forms in any other format are not accepted.

In the unfortunate event of the beneficiary's death after marriage but before claiming the benefit, the financial assistance will be released to the parents. If both the parents of the beneficiary have passed away, the assistance will be released to the guardian whose name is mentioned in the Laadli Laxmi application of the expired beneficiary.

The money under the fixed deposit can be withdrawn from the bank/financial institution when the beneficiary produces the withdrawal order/letter from the Director of Women and Child Development or any other authorized official. Additionally, the beneficiary needs to personally present herself before the bank officials for the withdrawal process.

If the beneficiary does not claim the benefit until attaining the age of 45 years, the fixed deposit will be closed, and the amount, along with the interest accrued, will be credited back to the Government. In such a scenario, no further assistance of any nature will be provided to the concerned beneficiary.

Individuals who avail financial assistance under the scheme by providing false information, submitting false declarations, or concealing material information may face criminal prosecution. In addition to any criminal prosecution, such individuals will also be debarred for life from receiving any benefits or assistance under any other schemes of the Government.

The scheme is being implemented through the bank/financial institution by executing a detailed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This MoU outlines the terms and conditions governing the operation of the bank account, fixed deposit account/certificate, interest calculation, payment authorization procedures, terms of payment by the Government to the bank/financial institution, and the process of crediting the Government upon closure of individual accounts. The MoU ensures a smooth and transparent process for handling financial assistance to the beneficiaries.

A12: The Committee consists of key officials, including the Secretary to Government of Goa in charge of the Department of Women and Child Development as Chairperson, a Social Worker appointed by the Government as Member, an Additional/Joint Secretary to Government of Goa in charge of the Department of Finance as Member, and the Director of the Directorate of Women and Child Development as Member Secretary. This multi-member Committee ensures fairness and impartiality in its decisions by evaluating each case thoroughly and considering all relevant factors before reaching a conclusion.

The Committee reviews cases of girl children who are orphans, destitute children, born outside a legitimate wedlock, or adopted. Additionally, any other cases that align with the objective of the scheme are also considered by the Committee. For instance, situations where the applicant's guardians or institutions/organizations submit the application due to specific circumstances are referred to the Committee for a decision.

In cases where applicants are unable to produce documents pertaining to their parent's birth, residence, etc., due to their parent's opposition to their marriage, such applications are carefully examined by the Committee. The Committee ensures a fair and compassionate approach in evaluating these cases, considering the unique circumstances involved.

The application form (Annexure-I) is serially numbered and issued by designated Offices notified by the Director of Women and Child Development or designated bank branches. Applicants can obtain the application form from these specified locations. It is essential to use the correct format of the application form, as forms in any other format or reprographic copies will not be accepted under the scheme.

In unfortunate cases where beneficiaries pass away after marriage but before claiming the benefit, the financial assistance is released to the parents. If both parents of the beneficiary are deceased, the assistance is provided to the guardian whose name is mentioned in the Laadli Laxmi application of the deceased beneficiary. This approach ensures that the financial support reaches the appropriate recipients in such circumstances.