Delhi's Laadli Yojana beneficiaries declined sixty percent in fifteen years

The number of beneficiaries of Delhi's Laadli Yojana, a program for empowering young women, has decreased by approximately 60% over the past 15 years. This decline was revealed through information obtained under the Right to Information Act. The scheme, launched in 2008, provided financial assistance to eligible girls. Data shows beneficiary numbers dropped from about 125,000 in 2008-2009 to 53,000 in 2024-2025. Officials cite school dropouts and lack of awareness as potential contributing factors. The Laadli Yojana provides funds to girls in phases, deposited until they turn 18. The Women and Child Development Department reported over 1.3 million registrations since the scheme's inception, with nearly 200,000 beneficiaries failing to claim benefits.