Mamata extends Kanyashree programme to higher education

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday introduced new initiatives in collaboration with the Kanyashree Prakalpa, which will further help in improving the condition of girls in the state.

While attending an event celebrating the success of the Kanyashree programme, Mamata spoke about the new initiatives the Kanyashree programme intends to undertake. She spoke about the existing K1 and K2 programmes, which provide funds and basic necessities for girls studying in schools and colleges, and how a new K3 programme will be initiated which would help the girls with further education.

"We are starting with the K3 programme for girls pursuing post graduation. Rs. 2,500 for Science monthly and Rs. 2,000 for Arts," she said.

She added, "We also have the Swami Vivekanada scheme, where we'll fund the education for medical, engineering, IAS, IPS etc."

Mamata also said that a number of NRIs are willing to sponsor the higher education of the girls who perform well at the state-level.

Mamata added that she is thankful towards the UNICEF and the United Nations for consistently supporting their programme.

While speaking on what the Kanyashree programme has achieved, she said that the programme has managed to significantly increase the number of girls attending school.

Last month, the West Bengal government was awarded the prestigious UN Public Service Award for the Kanyashree Prakalpa, which is an initiative to improve the life and the status of the girls and help them pursue higher studies by providing financial help to the economically backward families. It also aims to prevent child marriage.

The Kanyashree scheme has brought almost 41 lakh adolescent girls in its fold, covering over 15,500 institutions in West Bengal.