August 14, 2014
Union Minister of Women and Child Development praises Bengal`s Kanyashree scheme, Trinamool reacts
Union Minister of Women and ChildDevelopment today praised the Kanyashreescheme of West Bengal Government during a reply on the motion for strictermeasures to curb the rising crimes against women. During her speech she saidthat the Kanyashree scheme was anexcellent idea.
Responding to the praise by the UnionMinister, National Spokesperson of the party, Derek O'Brien said, “We welcomeher observation. The Kanyashreeproject is unique. We hope it will roll out nationally very soon. 12 lakh deservinggirls have already benefitted… Hope millions more will.”
The brainchild of Ms Mamata Banerjee, the Kanyashree scheme aims at improving thestatus and well being of girl child by:
- Discouraging early marriage of girls toensure compliance with the legal provisions pertaining to the minimum age atmarriage
- Incentivize through scholarships, thecontinuation of education of the girl child in Secondary and Higher Secondaryclasses and those undergoing vocational training or sports training
- Improving IMR and MMR by delaying the ageof marriage and consequently increasing the median age of first birth
- Reducing the incidence of drop outs,especially amongst girls from poor families
- Eradicating under-nutrition andmalnutrition of girl child
- Preventing trafficking and exploitation ofthe girl child
The scheme launched for the unmarried girlsstudents of the age group from 13-18 years and whose family income is less thanor equal to Rs 1,20,000 per annum except if the girls is physicallyHandicapped, both of her parents are deceased or if the applicant is an inmateof a J.J. Home, will receive Rs 500 annually and upon reaching the age of 18years, they will receive Rs 25,000 as one time grant.
The scheme has received international recognition. UNICEF is partnering with the West Bengal government to implement this scheme. Kanyashree was also showcased at the London Girls' Summit last month.
