write a paragraph on Kanyashree Prakalpa
write a paragraph on Kanyashree Prakalpa
Kanyashree Prakalpa is a flagship social welfare scheme launched by the government of West Bengal, India in 2013 with the aim of improving the socio-economic status and empowerment of adolescent girls from economically and socially disadvantaged families. The scheme is intended to address the issue of high dropout rates among girls and early marriage, which are major barriers to their education and overall development.
The scheme provides a one-time grant of Rs. 25,000 to girls aged between 18 and 19 years who have completed eight years of schooling and are enrolled in higher education or vocational training. This grant can be used for educational expenses such as tuition fees, books, uniforms and other necessary materials. Additionally, the scheme also provides a yearly scholarship of Rs. 750 to girls aged 13 to 18 years who are still in school. This scholarship is intended to provide financial assistance to families to support their daughter’s education and is paid directly to the girl’s bank account.
To be eligible for the scheme, the girl’s family income must be below the poverty line, and the girl must not be married. The scheme also includes several other incentives such as cash rewards for girls who maintain a certain level of academic performance, and scholarships for girls who wish to pursue higher education in technical or professional fields.
The scheme has been widely successful in increasing the enrollment and retention of girls in schools and colleges, and in reducing the incidence of child marriage in the state. According to government data, the enrollment of girls in secondary schools increased from 71% in 2013 to 81% in 2018, and the dropout rate among girls decreased from 21% to 11%. Furthermore, there has been a significant decline in the number of child marriages since the launch of the scheme.
In addition to the financial assistance provided by the scheme, the government also provides several other services to support the education and overall development of adolescent girls. These include counseling services, training programs, and health camps. The scheme also includes a robust monitoring and evaluation system to ensure its effectiveness and to identify areas for improvement.
The Kanyashree Prakalpa has been recognized as a best practice model by the United Nations, and has been replicated in other states of India, and countries in Africa and Asia. This scheme is implemented by the State Government and is being run by the Department of Women and Child Development and Social Welfare.
In conclusion, Kanyashree Prakalpa is a comprehensive, multi-faceted scheme that addresses the key issues facing adolescent girls in West Bengal. The scheme’s success in increasing enrollment, retention and reducing child marriage is a testament to its effectiveness and has been replicated in other parts of India and other countries as well. The scheme is an excellent example of how targeted government interventions can make a real difference in the lives of disadvantaged girls and their families.