Kanyashree Scheme Turns 12: Mamata Banerjee Hails Global Recognition, 9.3 Million Girls Benefited.
Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee marked the 12th anniversary of the state’s flagship Kanyashree scheme on Wednesday with a special event at Dhono Dhanyo Stadium, highlighting its international acclaim and transformative impact on girls’ education.
Launched on August 14, 2013, the Kanyashree Prakalpa has been recognised as the top initiative among 552 projects from 62 countries, earning the prestigious United Nations Public Service Award. Addressing a gathering of school students, ministers including Shashi Panja, and senior officials, Banerjee revealed that the scheme has benefited 9.3 million girls across the state, significantly reducing school dropout rates.
The Chief Minister also lauded the Sabooj Sathi bicycle distribution programme, which has so far provided 13.8 million bicycles to students. She announced that another phase of bicycle distribution will take place later this month.
In her speech, Banerjee urged parents not to marry off their daughters at a young age and instead encourage them to pursue their education. She drew from her personal struggles, recalling how she had to sell her mother’s necklace to pay for college admission. “I do not want today’s children to go through the hardships I faced,” she said.
On her official X handle, Banerjee wrote:
“Today is Kanyashree Day. Our pride, the Kanyashree scheme, has turned 12. My heartiest congratulations to all Kanyashrees across the world, across the country, and across Bengal. I do not know of any other government programme that has had such a profound impact on women’s empowerment in such a short time. That’s why it has been so widely acclaimed on the global stage — ranked first among 552 projects from 62 countries and honoured with the United Nations Public Service Award. I have always believed that a society where women are not well-off can never truly prosper. For a society to progress, women’s empowerment is essential.”
The event was attended by hundreds of students, many of whom are direct beneficiaries of the scheme, which provides financial aid to school-going girls to prevent early marriage and ensure continued education.
This year’s celebration reinforced the government’s message that educating and empowering girls is not just a welfare initiative but a cornerstone for social development.
Launched on August 14, 2013, the Kanyashree Prakalpa has been recognised as the top initiative among 552 projects from 62 countries, earning the prestigious United Nations Public Service Award. Addressing a gathering of school students, ministers including Shashi Panja, and senior officials, Banerjee revealed that the scheme has benefited 9.3 million girls across the state, significantly reducing school dropout rates.
The Chief Minister also lauded the Sabooj Sathi bicycle distribution programme, which has so far provided 13.8 million bicycles to students. She announced that another phase of bicycle distribution will take place later this month.
In her speech, Banerjee urged parents not to marry off their daughters at a young age and instead encourage them to pursue their education. She drew from her personal struggles, recalling how she had to sell her mother’s necklace to pay for college admission. “I do not want today’s children to go through the hardships I faced,” she said.
On her official X handle, Banerjee wrote:
“Today is Kanyashree Day. Our pride, the Kanyashree scheme, has turned 12. My heartiest congratulations to all Kanyashrees across the world, across the country, and across Bengal. I do not know of any other government programme that has had such a profound impact on women’s empowerment in such a short time. That’s why it has been so widely acclaimed on the global stage — ranked first among 552 projects from 62 countries and honoured with the United Nations Public Service Award. I have always believed that a society where women are not well-off can never truly prosper. For a society to progress, women’s empowerment is essential.”
The event was attended by hundreds of students, many of whom are direct beneficiaries of the scheme, which provides financial aid to school-going girls to prevent early marriage and ensure continued education.
This year’s celebration reinforced the government’s message that educating and empowering girls is not just a welfare initiative but a cornerstone for social development.
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