The Kanyashree Prakalpa Scheme, launched by the Government of West Bengal, is a transformative initiative aimed at empowering adolescent girls through education, financial inclusion, and child marriage prevention. Targeted toward girls from socio-economically disadvantaged families, the scheme promotes continued education, skill development, and social empowerment through conditional cash transfers.
Short Summary
• Scheme Name: Kanyashree Prakalpa
• Launched By: Government of West Bengal
• Target Group: Girls aged 13–18 from disadvantaged families
• Type: Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) Scheme
• Application Mode: Offline (via schools/BDO office)
• Scholarship Type: Annual Scholarship and One-Time Grant
• Implemented Through: Schools, Block Development Offices, and Community Networks
Objectives of the Scheme
• Prevent child marriage by encouraging girls to stay unmarried until at least 18 years
• Promote secondary and higher education among girls
• Enhance health, nutrition, and emotional development
• Build confidence, skills, and provide access to vocational training
• Serve as a platform for financial independence and social empowerment
Benefits
| Benefit Type | Amount | Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Scholarship | ₹750/year | For girls aged 13–18 studying in Class 8 to 12 in government-aided schools |
| One-Time Grant | ₹25,000 | For unmarried girls aged 18+, continuing education or vocational training |
Note: The financial benefits are directly transferred to the girl’s bank account, promoting financial inclusion and autonomy.
Eligibility Criteria
• Age:
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13 to 18 years for annual scholarship
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18 years and above (unmarried) for one-time grant
• Income Limit:
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Family income must be less than ₹1.2 lakh per annum
• Educational Requirement:
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Must be enrolled in Class 8–12 in a government-aided/recognized institution
• Marital Status:
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Must be unmarried to be eligible for any benefit under the scheme
• Residency:
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Must be a resident of West Bengal
Exclusions
• Girls younger than 13 or older than 18 (for annual scholarship)
• Girls from families with income over ₹1.2 lakh/year
• Married girls
• Girls studying in private (unaided) schools
• Non-residents of West Bengal
Application Process
Offline Application Steps
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Obtain the Application Form from your school or Block Development Office (BDO)
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Fill the Form carefully with accurate personal, academic, and family income details
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Attach required supporting documents
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Submit the completed form to the school principal or BDO office
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Await verification and approval by authorities
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Upon approval, the benefit will be credited to your bank account
Documents Required
• Aadhaar Card
• Age Proof (Birth Certificate/School ID)
• Income Certificate
• School/College Certificate
• Unmarried Status Declaration
• Bank Passbook Copy
• Passport-size Photograph
• Domicile Certificate (if required)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the objective of the Kanyashree Prakalpa Scheme?
Kanyashree Prakalpa seeks to improve the status and well-being of girls, specifically those from socio-economically disadvantaged families through Conditional Cash Transfers by Incentivizing them to continue in education for a longer period, and complete secondary or higher secondary education, or equivalent in technical or vocational steams, thereby giving them a better footing in both the economic and social spheres. Disincentivizing marriage till at least the age of 18, the legal age of marriage, thereby reducing the risks of early pregnancies, associated risks of maternal and child mortality, and other debilitating health conditions, including that malnutrition. It was also decided that the Scheme should confer more than just monetary support; it should be a means of financial inclusion and a tool of empowerment for adolescent girls. The scheme’s benefits are therefore paid directly to bank accounts in the girls’ names, leaving the decision of utilization of the money in their hands. To reinforce the positive impact of increased education and delayed marriages, the scheme also works to enhance the social power and self-esteem of girls through a targeted behavior change communication strategy. The communication strategy not only builds awareness of the scheme, but includes adolescent-friendly approaches like events, competitions, and Kanyashree clubs, and the endorsement of strong women figures as role models to promote social and psychological empowerment.
The objective of the Kanyashree Prakalpa Scheme is to improve the status and well-being of girls from socio-economically disadvantaged families in West Bengal by promoting their education, preventing child marriage, and improving their overall quality of life. - What conditions do I need to fulfill to be eligible for Kanyashree Prakalpa?
While Kanyashrees Annual Scholarship of Rs. 1000/- is for girls who are between the ages of 13 and 18 years, the one-time grant of Rs. 25,000/- is for girls who are between the ages of 18 and 19.
However, Kanyashree is NOT for ALL girls. Both the annual scholarship and the one-time grant are only for those girls who are:
◘ Residents of West Bengal AND
◘ Enrolled and regularly attending an educational institution AND
◘ Unmarried AND
◘ From families where the total income is not more than Rs. 1,20,000 per year. However, girls who are specially-abled (with a disability of 40% or more) or are living in a Home registered under the Juvenile Justice Act, 2000, or have lost both parents, may apply for Kanyashree even if their family income is more than Rs. 1,20,000 per year - Is there any other precondition before I apply?
Yes. You must have a bank account opened in your name and you should mention your name in the application form same as that that exists in your bank account. - What kind of educational institution should I be studying in?
Girls will be eligible for Kanyashrees Annual Scholarship or the One-Time grant if they are studying in any one of the following:
1)In Class VIII or above in a school, madrassah or equivalent open school course.
2)In a college or equivalent open university course.
3)A Vocational Training Centre, Technical Training Centre or Industrial Training Centre
4)Girls enrolled in Sports Institutes may apply for the One-Time Grant. They cannot, however, apply for the Annual Scholarship.
The educational institution MUST be registered in West Bengal AND recognized by the government - When do I apply for Kanyashree Prakalpa?
You should apply for the Annual Scholarship as soon as you turn 13 years of age. you must be studying in Class VIII or above.
Although you can apply for the one-time grant anytime between the ages of 18 and 19, it is better to do so as soon as you turn age 18 - Who is eligible to apply for the scheme?
Girls between the ages of 13 and 18 years from families with an annual income of up to Rs. 1.2 lakhs and studying in classes 8 to 12 in government-aided or recognized schools are eligible for the annual scholarship provided under the scheme. Girls who are unmarried and have completed 18 years of age and fulfill the eligibility criteria are eligible for the one-time grant. - What are the benefits provided under the scheme?
The scheme provides an annual scholarship of Rs. 750 to eligible girls and a one-time grant of Rs. 25,000 to unmarried girls who have completed 18 years of age and fulfill the eligibility criteria. The scheme also provides scholarships to girls from economically disadvantaged families who wish to pursue higher education in universities and colleges in West Bengal. - Is there any fee for applying to the scheme?
No, there is no fee for applying to the scheme. The application is free of cost. - What are Kanyashree Clubs?
Kanyashree Clubs are established in schools and colleges to promote the objectives of the scheme, provide support to the beneficiaries, and create awareness about the importance of girls’ education.