“SCHEME OF GIRL CHILD: EVALUATING KNOWLEDGE AMONG URBAN POPULATION”

Abstract

The scheme for girl child by Maharashtra’s Department of Women and Child Welfare was launched in 2017 to support and empower girls (Maji Kanya Bhagyashree Yojana). Aimed at alleviating economic challenges for families with daughters, the program provides financial support at the birth of each girl child, scholarships for higher education, and healthcare services. Through this study, the knowledge and awareness regarding the girl child’s scheme were assessed among urban population, focusing on socio-economic impacts and effectiveness in enhancing girls' welfare.

The study surveyed 300 people in selected urban areas of Pune city to assess their knowledge about the scheme and its objectives. Participants varied across demographic categories, including age, gender, religion, educational status, and family income. The study used a structured knowledge questionnaire, validated by experts and proven reliable, to collect data on participants’ awareness of girl child’s scheme.

Key findings of the study revealed that a majority, or 59% of respondents, displayed an average level of knowledge about the girl child’s scheme, while 41% demonstrated a good level of knowledge. Interestingly, no participants fell into the poor knowledge category, indicating at least a basic level of awareness across the sample. Statistical analysis showed significant association between age and knowledge levels, with younger participants aged 28–37 demonstrating a higher understanding of the scheme compared to other age groups. However, no significant association was found between knowledge levels and other demographic factors, such as gender, religion, educational background, or family income.

Despite generally adequate awareness levels, the study identified gaps in knowledge on certain details, especially among older participants. The response distribution for various questions indicated that while basic information on financial incentives was widely known, fewer participants were aware of additional benefits like healthcare support and scholarship opportunities under the scheme. The data underscored the importance of targeted outreach to improve understanding, especially in communities with lower awareness of comprehensive benefits.

The findings suggest that while girl child’s scheme has reached many families in Pune, enhanced outreach efforts are needed to improve knowledge levels in all demographic groups. Such efforts could ensure more families are aware of the scheme’s full range of benefits, particularly healthcare and educational support, further promoting gender equality and girl child welfare in MaharashtraTop of Form