Kanyashree Prakalpa

Kanyashree Prakalpa seeks to improve the status and well-being of girls, specifically those from socio-economically disadvantaged families through Conditional Cash Transfers by:

Incentivizing them to continue in education for a longer period, and complete secondary or higher secondary education, or equivalent in technical or vocational steams, thereby giving them a better footing in both the economic and social spheres.

Disincentivizing marriage till at least the age of 18, the legal age of marriage, thereby reducing the risks of early pregnancies, associated risks of maternal and child mortality, and other debilitating health conditions, including that malnutrition.

It was also decided that the Scheme should confer more than just monetary support; it should be a means of financial inclusion and a tool of empowerment for adolescent girls. The scheme’s benefits are therefore paid directly to bank accounts in the girls’ names, leaving the decision of utilizing the money in their hands.

To reinforce the positive impact of increased education and delayed marriages, the scheme also works to enhance the social power and self-esteem of girls through a targeted behavior change communication strategy. The communication strategy not only builds awareness of the scheme, but includes adolescent-friendly approaches like events, competitions, and Kanyashree clubs, and the endorsement of strong women figures as role models to promote social and psychological empowerment.

As more and more girls remain in school, it is envisaged that they will use the opportunity to gain skills and knowledge to help them become economically independent. Even if girls do get married soon after they turn 18, it is expected that their education and enhanced social and emotional development will give them a better foundation for their adult lives. And over time, as entire generations of women enter marriages only after they have some degree of economic independence, it is expected that the practice of child marriage will be completely eradicated. Women will attain their right to health, education, and socio-economic equality.

What is Kanyashree Prakalpa Scheme?

West Bengal Kanyashree Prakalpa is a conditional cash transfer scheme launched by the Government of West Bengal in 2013. The scheme aims to empower and support the education of girl students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds in the state.

Under the Kanyashree Prakalpa Scheme, girls between the ages of 13 and 18 receive an annual scholarship, known as the Kanyashree scholarship, to support their educational expenses.

Additionally, there is a one-time grant called the Kanyashree K2, which is provided to girls when they turn 18 years of age, provided they are unmarried and have continued their education.

What are the Features of the Kanyashree Prakalpa Scheme?

The scheme has two main financial components:
- Kanyashree Bond: A one-time grant of Rs. 25,000 to unmarried girls of 18 years of age who are pursuing regular education or vocational/ sports training.
- Annual Scholarship: An annual scholarship of Rs. 1,000 to unmarried girls aged 13-18 years who are enrolled in Class 8 or above.
Income Criteria: The scheme is open to girls from families with an annual income of less than Rs. 1.2 lakhs. The capping on annual income is not applicable for girls who have lost both parents, are physically challenged (40% disability), or are inmates of a J.J. Home under the J.J. Act, 2000.
Discouragement of child marriage: The scheme also discourages child marriage by providing a one-time grant of Rs. 25,000 for higher education to girls who remain unmarried until they are 18 years old.
Awareness and Outreach: Kanyashree Prakalpa involves the establishment of Kanyashree clubs in schools and colleges to engage students in discussions and activities related to gender equality and education.
Collaboration with Other Programs: To maximize its impact, the Kanyashree Prakalpa scheme collaborates with various existing government programs, like Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (Clean India Mission) and the National Health Mission, to address issues related to sanitation, health, and hygiene.
Beneficiaries: Approximately 18 lakh (1.8 million) girl students receive an annual scholarship, and approximately 3.5 lakh (0.35 million) girls receive a one-time grant of Rs. 25,000 each year under Kanyashree Prakalpa.

Eligibility

Age limit: Girls between the ages of 13 and 18 years are eligible for the scheme. Girls who have already turned 18 years of age are eligible to apply for the one-time grant under the scheme.

Annual income limit: The scheme applies to girls from families with an annual income of up to Rs. 1.2 lakhs. The income of the girl’s parents or guardians will be taken into consideration while determining eligibility for the scheme.

Educational criteria: Girls who are studying in classes 8 to 12 in government-aided or recognized schools are eligible to apply for the annual scholarship provided under the scheme.

Marital status: Unmarried Girls are eligible to apply for the one-time grant provided under the scheme. Girls who are already married are not eligible for the scheme.

Citizenship: The scheme applies only to girls who are residents of West Bengal and studying in schools or colleges in the state.

Documents Required

Age proof document – a copy of the birth certificate
A statement of declaration of being unmarried
Income certificate
Certificate of enrolment and attendance by Head of Institution of Education or Training
Copy of certificate of disability (for disabled girls)
Photocopy of bank passbook