The Mukhyamantri Rajshri Yojana is a flagship social welfare scheme launched by the Rajasthan government in June 2016 to empower girls and promote gender equality. Aligned with the national “Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao” initiative, it aims to foster positive attitudes toward the girl child by providing financial support for her health and education from birth to Class 12. By addressing societal issues like child marriage, female foeticide, and educational disparities, the scheme seeks to ensure girls grow into self-reliant individuals. With a budget allocation of ₹2221 crore, it reflects Rajasthan’s commitment to improving the socio-economic status of girls across rural and urban areas.

Objectives of the Scheme

The Mukhyamantri Rajshri Yojana has clear and ambitious goals to transform the lives of girls in Rajasthan. Its primary objectives include:

• Promoting Girl Child Education: By offering financial aid at key educational milestones, the scheme encourages families to prioritize schooling, reducing dropout rates among girls.
• Improving Health Outcomes: It supports vaccinations and institutional deliveries to enhance the health of newborn girls, tackling child mortality.
• Eradicating Gender Bias: The scheme challenges negative societal perceptions, fostering a culture that values girls equally.
• Preventing Child Marriage: Financial assistance up to Class 12 incentivizes families to delay marriage, allowing girls to complete their education.
• Empowering Economic Independence: By investing in education, the scheme equips girls to pursue careers and contribute to society.

These objectives collectively aim to uplift the girl child’s status, ensuring she has access to opportunities that were historically limited.

Eligibility Criteria

To benefit from the Mukhyamantri Rajshri Yojana, families must meet specific criteria:

• Residency: The girl child and her parents must be permanent residents of Rajasthan.
• Birth Date: Only girls born on or after June 1, 2016, are eligible.
• Institutional Delivery: The birth must occur in a government hospital or a private institution registered with the Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY).
• Family Limit: Up to two girls per family qualify for the full scheme, though parents of a third girl can receive the first two instalments.
• Documentation: Parents must possess an Aadhaar card and a Bhamashah card (now transitioned to Jan Aadhaar in some cases) linked to a bank account for Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).

These conditions ensure the scheme targets genuine beneficiaries while promoting institutional healthcare and financial inclusion.

Financial Assistance Structure

The scheme provides ₹50,000 per eligible girl, disbursed in six instalments tied to health and educational milestones:

1. At Birth: ₹2,500 to support immediate healthcare needs and encourage institutional delivery.
2. First Birthday (Post-Vaccination): ₹2,500 upon completion of essential vaccinations, ensuring the child’s early health.
3. Class 1 Enrollment: ₹4,000 when the girl enrols in a government school, promoting primary education.
4. Class 6 Enrollment: ₹5,000 to support continued schooling during the transition to upper primary levels.
5. Class 10 Enrollment: ₹11,000 to incentivize secondary education, a critical stage where dropouts are common.
6. Class 12 Completion: ₹25,000 upon passing Class 12, enabling further studies or vocational training.

The funds are transferred directly to the parent’s or guardian’s bank account via DBT, ensuring transparency and minimizing misuse.

Application Process

Applying for the Mukhyamantri Rajshri Yojana is straightforward, with both online and offline options:

• Online Application:
  1. Visit the official Jan Kalyan portal (jankalyan.rajasthan.gov.in).
  2. Navigate to the “Rajshri Yojana” section and select “Apply Online.”
  3. Create an account or log in, then enter details like the girl’s birth certificate number, parental Aadhaar, and Bhamashah/Jan Aadhaar number.
  4. Upload required documents (birth certificate, Aadhaar, Bhamashah card, school certificates).
  5. Submit the form and note the acknowledgement number for tracking.
• Offline Application:
  1. Visit a government hospital, JSY-registered private hospital, or local authorities like the Collector’s Office, Zilla Parishad, or Gram Panchayat.
  2. Obtain and fill out the Rajshri Yojana form with accurate details.
  3. Attach copies of required documents and submit them to the health officer or designated official.
  4. Receive an acknowledgement slip for future reference.

Documents typically include the girl’s birth certificate, parental Aadhaar and Bhamashah/Jan Aadhaar cards, school admission certificates (for later instalments), and a passport-size photo.

Benefits and Impact

The Mukhyamantri Rajshri Yojana has far-reaching benefits:

• Educational Advancement: By covering schooling costs, it reduces financial barriers, enabling girls to stay in school longer.
• Health Security: Early instalments promote vaccinations and safe deliveries, lowering infant mortality rates.
• Social Empowerment: Financial support shifts perceptions, making girls assets rather than burdens in families.
• Economic Growth: Educated girls contribute to the workforce, boosting Rajasthan’s economy over time.
• Reduced Inequalities: The scheme bridges gender gaps, aligning with India’s broader development goals.

Since its inception, thousands of families have benefited, with girls pursuing education and families reporting greater financial stability.

Challenges and Future Scope

Despite its success, the scheme faces challenges like delayed disbursements in remote areas and a lack of awareness among marginalized communities. The government is addressing these through intensified outreach by Anganwadi workers, ASHA volunteers, and e-Mitra centres. Future enhancements could include increasing the assistance amount, extending benefits to higher education, or integrating skill development programs.

Final Thoughts

The Mukhyamantri Rajshri Yojana is a transformative initiative that invests in Rajasthan’s girls, ensuring they grow into educated, healthy, and empowered women. By providing ₹50,000 across critical life stages, it tackles systemic barriers like poverty and gender bias. Families in Rajasthan should leverage this scheme by registering eligible daughters promptly, using official channels to secure benefits. For those seeking to apply, contacting local health officers or visiting the Jan Kalyan portal is the first step toward a brighter future for their girls.