Himachal Pradesh has introduced the Beti Hai Anmol Yojana, a transformative education initiative to empower girls from BPL families. Offering scholarships, free textbooks, and vocational training, it aims to boost female literacy and economic independence. Announced by CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, the scheme targets 10,000 girls annually, fostering gender equality and social progress across the state.
Himachal Unveils Beti Hai Anmol Yojana to Uplift Girls’ Education
In a significant step toward gender equality, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu unveiled the Beti Hai Anmol Yojana on July 3, 2025, during a public address in Shimla. This ambitious education initiative targets girls from Below Poverty Line (BPL) families, aiming to bridge the educational gap and promote economic independence. The scheme is designed to benefit 10,000 girls annually, providing financial and academic support to ensure access to quality education.
Under the Beti Hai Anmol Yojana, eligible girls will receive scholarships covering tuition fees for secondary and higher education. The state government has allocated ₹50 crore for the program’s first phase, with plans to expand its reach over the next five years. Additionally, beneficiaries will receive free textbooks, uniforms, and access to digital learning resources to reduce financial burdens on families. The initiative also includes vocational training programs to equip girls with skills for employment in sectors like technology, healthcare, and handicrafts.
The announcement comes amid growing emphasis on women’s empowerment in Himachal Pradesh. Recent data from the state’s Department of Social Justice and Empowerment shows a rise in the sex ratio from 947 in 2023 to 964 in 2024, reflecting the impact of policies promoting the welfare of girls. The Beti Hai Anmol Yojana builds on this progress, aligning with existing schemes like the Indira Gandhi Sukh Suraksha Yojana, which provides financial security for BPL daughters.
Chief Minister Sukhu highlighted the scheme’s focus on rural areas, where access to education remains a challenge. “Our daughters are the future of Himachal. This initiative ensures they have the tools to succeed and contribute to society,” he said. The program also includes awareness campaigns to encourage families to prioritize girls’ education, addressing cultural barriers that often limit opportunities for young women.
To ensure effective implementation, the state has partnered with local NGOs and educational institutions. Schools in districts like Mandi, Kangra, and Chamba will serve as hubs for distributing resources and conducting training sessions. The government has also introduced a monitoring system to track the scheme’s progress, with quarterly reports to be made public for transparency.
The initiative has garnered praise from education experts and women’s rights activists. Dr. Anjali Sharma, a gender studies professor at Himachal Pradesh University, called it a “game-changer” for rural girls, noting that it addresses both financial and systemic barriers. However, some critics have raised concerns about the scheme’s sustainability, urging the government to ensure consistent funding and prevent bureaucratic delays.
The Beti Hai Anmol Yojana is part of a broader push by the Himachal Pradesh government to create a more inclusive society. Recent welfare measures, including the state’s efforts to improve infrastructure and healthcare, underscore its commitment to social justice. With this initiative, Himachal aims to set a model for other states in empowering young women through education.
Disclaimer: This article is based on recent news reports, government announcements, and publicly available data from sources such as The Statesman and The Hindu. Information is accurate as of July 4, 2025, and subject to updates as new details emerge.