W.Bengal girl child scheme receives highest UN public service award

The United Nations has awarded the first prize for public service to the West Bengal Government for its girl child scheme titled "Kanyashree Prakalpa".

According to an Embassy of India release, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee received a trophy and the certificate for the first prize on behalf of her government at the UN Public Service Forum 2917 in The Hague, the Netherlands.

The scheme was chosen from among 552 projects from 62 countries which were nominated for the award. The United Nations Public Service Award is the most prestigious international recognition of excellence in public service and innovations in governance.

"Kanyashree Prakalpa" is a targeted conditional cash transfer scheme aimed at promoting education among girls which has already enrolled more than four million adolescent girls. Around USD 500 million has been transferred directly to the beneficiaries' bank account through the scheme, which is being implemented through 16000 institutes and schools. The scheme won the prestigious public service award for its ability to reach the poorest and the most vulnerable through inclusive services and participation.

On receiving the award on behalf of the state, Banerjee said it was a historic achievement and a proud moment for the people of West Bengal and India.

She reiterated the commitment of her government towards achieving the 2030 agenda for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through similar innovative public service programmes catering to the needs of the most vulnerable sections of the society.

Earlier, Banerjee also participated in a ministerial conversation on 'Accelerating Innovation in Public Service' as part of the United Nations Public Service Forum 2017.