| Kanyashree | |
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| Mission statement | To reduce dropout rate and prevent early marriage |
| Type of project | Scholarship scheme for girls |
| Location | West Bengal |
| Owner | Government of West Bengal |
| Founder | Mamata Banerjee |
| Country | India (primarily in West Bengal) |
| Established | 8 March 2013 |
| Status | Active |
| Website | www |
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Kanyashree is an initiative undertaken by the Government of West Bengal to improve the lives and status of the girls by helping low-income families with cash so that families do not force their daughters into arranged child marriages because of economic difficulties. The purpose of this initiative is to uplift girls who are from poor families and are unable pursue higher studies due to tough economic conditions. It has been internationally recognised by the United Nations Department of International Development and the UNICEF.
The scheme has two components:
- Annual scholarship of Rs. 1000.00
- One time grant of Rs. 25,000.00
The annual scholarship is for unmarried girls aged 13–18 years enrolled in class VIII-XII in government recognized regular or equivalent open school or vocational / technical training courses. Recently the bar of income was withdrawn by the government of West Bengal; now every girl can apply for that scheme.