`The Goa Government's flagship programme `Ladli Lakshmi' scheme (LLS)has come into force. Under this scheme an amount of Rs 1 lakh would be extended to girls above 18 to meet their marriage expenses. AIR Panaji correspondent reports, under the Ladli Laxmi scheme mooted by the Department of Women and Child of the State government, the beneficiaries will be paid financial assistance, by means of bank fixed deposit, jointly in the name of the Director of Women and Child Development and the applicant girl. The scheme is expected to arrest the declining female sex ratio in the state to a great extent. Under the scheme, the Government will provide Rs 1 lakh to the girls who have attained the age of 18 to meet their marriage expenses. The girl should be born in Goa or at least one of her parents should be born in Goa. The girls aged between 18 and 40 years would be covered under the scheme. The Government would deposit Rs 1 lakh in the name of the girl once she turns 18. The scheme will cost Rs 150 crores annually. There will be no TDS deductions. The state government has made a provision of Rs. 150 crores for the purpose. Under the scheme the beneficiaries are grouped into two categories namely those applicant who attain the age of majority i.e. 18 years on or after 01-04-2012 and those who have already attained the age of 18 years before 01-04-2012 and are in the age group of 19 to 40 years. The fixed deposits will be renewed annually automatically on maturity, along with the amount of interest accrued, till the date of claim by the applicant as per scheme or until the age of 40 years whichever is earlier.The state Govt. has shortlisted five banks for the purpose. A separate account will be opened with one of the bank/financial institution concerned to be identified by the Government for implementation of the scheme, which shall prepare a fixed deposit in the name of the applicant as per the sanction order issued by the Director, Women and Child Department from time to time. The money under the fixed deposit will be permitted to be withdrawn from the bank/financial institution, provided the beneficiary produces the withdrawal order/letter from the Director, Women and Child Development or any other authorized official and also personally present herself before the bank officials. The benefits under the scheme will be given only once in the life time of each beneficiary.