Impact Assessment of LadliLaxmi Scheme in Goa

To promote women welfare and encourage more participation from this important component of the society, every state in India has introduced various schemes. Government of Goa has implemented certain schemes for uplift and empowerment of women. This paper studies LadliLaxmi Scheme (LLS) in Goa. The LLS gives financial assistance of Rs. one lakh to the girl for marriage. This scheme has no income indicator, no caste, class or religious bar and any girl who is between 18–45 years of age and is a resident of Goa is eligible to avail the benefit of this scheme. The study is based on primary data collected through Survey technique with structured questionnaire. Case studies were also undertaken to substantiate the findings. The study reflects that, LLS has the potential for reducing female foeticide in Goa. The scheme has reduced the financial burden of the parents during their daughter's marriage and has also built-in self confidence in girls. However the study reflects that implementation of such schemes does not guarantee a change in the mind-set of the society and therefore fails to address the core question of gender discrimination. The financial schemes for girls/women have been initiated at different points in time. It is necessary to have information on the performance of the schemes with their respective objectives. A detailed study can facilitate policy and programmatic improvements in these schemes. This study is such an attempt.