In the vibrant culture of Gujarat, a daughter is often called “Laxmi no Avatar” (an incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi). However, despite this spiritual reverence, many families face significant financial hurdles when it comes to a daughter’s higher education and marriage. To bridge this gap and celebrate the birth of girl children, the Government of Gujarat launched the Vahali Dikri Yojana (Dear Daughter Scheme).
As we move through 2026, the scheme has been streamlined with digital updates, making it easier for eligible families to secure their daughter’s future. This 1300-word guide covers everything from eligibility and benefits to the step-by-step application process.
What is the Vahali Dikri Yojana?
The Vahali Dikri Yojana is a flagship state-funded welfare scheme aimed at improving the sex ratio, preventing female foeticide, and promoting girl-child education. It is an “incentive-based” program where the government provides financial assistance at three crucial milestones of a girl’s life:
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School Admission (Class 1)
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Higher Secondary (Class 9)
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Higher Education or Marriage (At age 18)
By providing a total financial aid of ₹1,10,000, the state ensures that a girl is not seen as a financial burden, but as an empowered individual.
Detailed Benefits & Payout Structure
The scheme is designed to support the child as she grows. The funds are disbursed via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) into the bank account of the girl’s guardian.
| Milestone | Stage of Life | Benefit Amount |
| First Installment | On admission to Class 1 | ₹4,000 |
| Second Installment | On admission to Class 9 | ₹6,000 |
| Final Installment | On attaining 18 years (for higher education/marriage) | ₹1,00,000 |
| Total Benefit | ₹1,10,000 |
Eligibility Criteria for 2026
To ensure the benefits reach the most deserving families, the Gujarat Government has set specific eligibility rules:
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Residency: The applicant must be a permanent resident of Gujarat.
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Income Limit: The total annual family income must not exceed ₹2,00,000 (Two Lakh Rupees). This applies to both rural and urban areas.
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Family Size: The scheme is applicable only for the first two daughters of a family.
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Birth Date: The girl must have been born on or after August 2, 2019 (the date the scheme was originally inaugurated).
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Age Limit: The final ₹1 lakh is only payable if the girl does not get married before the legal age of 18.
Documents Required for Application
Preparation is key to a successful application. Ensure you have the following documents scanned (for online) or photocopied (for offline):
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Birth Certificate: Issued by the Municipality or Gram Panchayat.
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Aadhaar Card: Of both the parents and the girl child (if available).
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Income Certificate: A valid certificate issued by the Mamlatdar or TDO (should be current for 2026).
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Ration Card: To verify family members.
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Bank Passbook: Of the mother or father (must be Aadhaar-linked).
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Affidavit (Self-Declaration): A declaration stating the number of children in the family.
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School Bonafide Certificate: Required if the girl is applying for the 1st or 9th-standard installment.
How to Apply: Step-by-Step Guide (Online & Offline)
The 2026 update has made the application process “Phygital”—a mix of physical submission and digital tracking.
A. Offline Method (The Traditional Way)
Most families in Gujarat prefer this method through local offices:
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Visit your nearest Anganwadi Kendra, Gram Panchayat Office, or the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) office.
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Ask for the “Vahali Dikri Yojana Application Form” (available free of cost).
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Fill in the details carefully: Name, Address, Bank details, and Income information.
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Attach the required documents and submit them to the Women and Child Development Department office in your district.
B. Online Method (Via Digital Gujarat Portal)
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Go to the Digital Gujarat Portal.
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Register as a new user or login with your credentials.
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Search for “Vahali Dikri Yojana” in the service list.
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Fill out the digital form and upload the scanned documents.
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Submit and note down the Application Number for future tracking.
How to Check Application Status 2026
If you have already applied, you can track your status easily:
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Online: Log in to the Digital Gujarat portal, go to “My Applications,” and enter your application ID.
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At the Office: Visit the office where you submitted the form (ICDS or District Social Defense Office) and provide the girl’s Aadhaar number to the helpdesk.
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SMS Updates: The system now sends automated SMS alerts to the registered mobile number when the application is “Verified,” “Approved,” or if the “Amount is Disbursed.”
Common Challenges & Solutions
Problem 1: Income Certificate Expiry
Solution: Income certificates in Gujarat usually have a validity. If your certificate was issued 3 years ago, get a fresh one from the Jan Seva Kendra before applying.
Problem 2: Bank Account Mismatch
Solution: The subsidy is paid via DBT. Ensure the mother’s bank account is Active and Aadhaar Seeded (NPCI mapped). If the account is dormant, the payment will bounce.
Problem 3: Third Child Eligibility
Solution: If a family has three daughters, the scheme only covers the first two. However, if the second pregnancy resulted in twin girls (making it three daughters total), special provisions allow all three to be covered.
Impact of the Scheme on Gujarat’s Society
The Vahali Dikri Yojana is more than just a financial handout; it is a social movement.
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Education: By linking payments to Class 1 and Class 9, the government ensures that girls stay in school.
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Social Security: The ₹1 lakh at age 18 provides a safety net, allowing the girl to pursue a college degree or start a small business.
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Ending Child Marriage: Since the final payout is contingent on the girl being unmarried until 18, it serves as a powerful deterrent against child marriage in rural pockets of Kutch, Saurashtra, and North Gujarat.
Comparison with Other Schemes
Many people confuse this with the central government’s Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY). Here is the difference:
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SSY: You have to deposit money yourself, and the government gives high interest.
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Vahali Dikri: The government gives the money entirely for free; you do not have to deposit anything.
Families are encouraged to have both for maximum benefit.
Conclusion: A Step Towards “Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao”
The Vahali Dikri Yojana 2026 remains a beacon of hope for thousands of families in Gujarat. It transforms the “burden” of a daughter’s future expenses into a “blessing” supported by the state. If you have a girl child born after 2019 and your income is under ₹2 Lakh, do not delay—apply today and secure her dreams.
Quick Helpline Numbers
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Women & Child Development Dept (Gujarat): 079-23257942
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General Helpline: 181 (Abhayam Helpline for any guidance)