West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee recently flagged off the Kanyashree scheme under which an annual scholarship of Rs 500 would be given to unmarried girls aged 13 to 18 and whose family’s annual income is below Rs 1.20 lakh.
The scheme is aimed at helping the girl students, from Class VIII and XII to continue their studies. Flanked by her cabinet of ministers, Banerjee launched the much-advertised initiative with the press of a button, as actors and actresses of the regional film industry encouraged the thousands of school children to continue their education despite adversities.
The restriction on the annual family income would not be applicable to those who are orphans or are physically challenged. Also, if a girl continues her studies up to the age of 18, a one-time grant of Rs 25,000 would be deposited in her bank account, provided she is unmarried. 10,000 girl students have been brought under its ambit. “This scheme will be irrespective of caste and community. If she continues her education, or vocational training, or studies in open school, we will transfer Rs 25,000 as a one-time grant in her account. The grant can be utilised for her higher studies or for her marriage,” Banerjee said.