Question

Consider the following statements regarding Kanyashree Scheme:


1. It has received United Nations Public Service award.

2. It is a Conditional Cash transfer scheme which contributes towards empowerment of girls in the state of West Bengal.


3. All girl children within the age of 6 to 20 in the state of West Bengal are targeted beneficiaries.


Which of the above statements is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) 1 and 2 only

(d) 2 and 3 only​

Answer 1

Answer:

The Kanyashree Prakalpa introduced by the Government of West Bengal in 2013 has received widespread recognition at the national as well as international levels. This article discusses how this scheme is different in its approach from the other conditional cash transfer schemes aimed at removing child marriage and improving education among adolescent girls in India.

The Kanyashree Prakalpa (KP) introduced by the Government of West Bengal in 2013 is a conditional cash transfer (CCT) scheme aimed at simultaneously reducing underage marriage and adolescent dropout among girls. This scheme has received widespread recognition at both national and international levels, the latest being awarded the first in the Asia-Pacific group for the category “reaching the poorest and most vulnerable through inclusive services and participation” by the United Nations in the Netherlands in July 2017.

This two-tier scheme consists of an annual grant of Rs750 for unmarried girls between the age of 13 and 18 years who are enrolled in some educational institution (KP1) and a one-time grant of Rs 25,000 upon the attainment of 18 years, conditional upon her remaining both unmarried and continuing studies till that age (KP2). It has come as a much-needed intervention at a time when the percentage of underage marriage among girls in West Bengal is the highest in India (Census 2011) and the mean years of schooling for women is lower than the national average according to the District Level Household Survey (DLHS) 2012-13. To understand the reasons behind the success story of this scheme, one must focus on how West Bengal is different from the rest of India as far as early marriage is concerned and, in this context, appreciate how this scheme is different from the other schemes launched till date.

Answer 2

Option C - 1 and 2 only

☆ Explanation :-

• Statement 3 is incorrect :- All girl children within the age of 13 to 18 in the state are targeted beneficiaries.

More Information

☆ Kanyashree Scheme :-

• Kanyashree is a conditional cash transfer scheme aiming at improving the status and wellbeing of the girl child by incentivising schooling of teenage girls delaying their marriages until the age of 18.

• It received the United Nations Public Service Award last year.

• It Improve lives and status of the adolescent girls in State. Provide financial help to girls from disadvantaged families to pursue higher studies (now it will cover every girl from state).

• Prevent child marriage. Improved outcomes in terms of their health (especially facilitate the prevention of infant and maternal mortality).

• Components of Scheme Annual Scholarship of Rs. 500: It is for unmarried girls of 13-18 years enrolled in classes VIII-XII in government recognized regular or equivalent open school or equivalent vocational or technical training course.

• One time Grant of Rs. 25,000 :- The girls of 18 years at time of application, enrolled in government recognized regular or open school and colleges or pursuing vocational or technical training or sports activity or is inmate of Home registered under JJ Act.

• Progress :- So far around 50 lakh girls from the state have been benefited by scheme and removal of ceiling will help another three lakh more girls yearly. Since its launch, it has helped to reduce number of school drop out of girls àt 11.5%.

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