The Kanya Sumangala Yojana, a flagship scheme by the Uttar Pradesh government, empowers girls through financial aid across six stages of their lives, from birth to higher education. With increased funding to ₹25,000 per beneficiary, it promotes gender equality, curbs female feticide, and supports economically weaker families, benefiting over 16 lakh girls as of 2025.
Mukhyamantri Kanya Sumangala Yojana: A Lifeline for Girls’ Education and Empowerment
Launched on October 25, 2019, by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the Mukhyamantri Kanya Sumangala Yojana has emerged as a cornerstone initiative for promoting the welfare of girl children in the state. Aimed at addressing social challenges like female feticide, child marriage, and gender inequality, the scheme provides financial assistance to families with girl children, ensuring their education, health, and overall development. As of 2025, over 16 lakh girls have benefited from this visionary program, with the state government increasing the total aid from ₹15,000 to ₹25,000 per beneficiary in August 2023 as a Raksha Bandhan gift to empower families further.
The scheme operates in six distinct phases, disbursing lump-sum amounts at critical milestones in a girl’s life. At birth, families receive ₹5,000 to support early care. When the girl turns one and completes full immunization, ₹2,000 is provided. Admission to Class 1 brings ₹3,000, followed by ₹3,000 for Class 6 and ₹5,000 for Class 9. The final installment of ₹7,000 is granted when the girl passes Class 10 or 12 and enrolls in a graduation or diploma program of at least two years. This structured support ensures continuous encouragement for education and reduces dropout rates among girls from economically weaker sections.
Eligibility for the scheme is straightforward but targeted. Beneficiaries must be permanent residents of Uttar Pradesh with an annual family income not exceeding ₹3 lakh. Only two girl children per family are eligible, though exceptions are made for twin girls from a second delivery, allowing a third girl to benefit. Adopted girls are also included, broadening the scheme’s reach. Required documents include Aadhaar cards of the girl and parents, income certificates, birth certificates, and, in some cases, adoption certificates. Applications can be submitted online via the official portal (mksy.up.gov.in) or offline through Common Service Centers (CSCs) or district offices, with a deadline typically set for July 31 of the financial year or 45 days post-admission.
The scheme’s digital application process has streamlined access, requiring applicants to register on the portal, verify details via OTP, and upload necessary documents. Funds are directly transferred to the beneficiary’s bank account, ensuring transparency and efficiency. Since its inception, the Uttar Pradesh government has allocated ₹1,200 crore to sustain the program, reflecting its commitment to gender equity. The initiative also mandates periodic renewal of applications to ensure continued eligibility at each stage.
Beyond financial aid, the Kanya Sumangala Yojana fosters a cultural shift by promoting positive attitudes toward girls. It discourages social evils like female feticide and child marriage while encouraging families to invest in their daughters’ futures. Educational institutions, including government and aided colleges, actively facilitate applications, particularly for the ₹7,000 higher education grant, ensuring girls from marginalized communities can pursue their dreams. The scheme’s impact is evident in its reach, with millions of families benefiting and a noticeable improvement in girls’ enrollment in schools and colleges across Uttar Pradesh.
Recent updates in 2025 have simplified the application process further, with enhanced helpline support (18008330100 and 18001800300) for applicants facing issues. The scheme’s success has also inspired similar initiatives in other states, positioning it as a model for girl child empowerment nationwide. By addressing both economic and social barriers, the Kanya Sumangala Yojana continues to transform lives, ensuring girls in Uttar Pradesh have the resources to thrive.
Disclaimer: This article is based on information sourced from official government portals, news reports, and posts on X. All India Press does not independently verify the data and advises readers to check official sources for the latest updates and eligibility criteria.