Kanyashree Prakalpa

The scheme "Kanyashree Prakalpa" by the Department of Women Development and Social Welfare and Child Development (DWD), Government of West Bengal, aims to improve the status and well-being of girls, specifically those from socio-economically disadvantaged families. Through this scheme, Conditional Cash Transfers are provided to incentivise girls to continue their education for a longer period and disincentivise early marriage. > Objectives: 1. Incentivising girls to continue in education for a longer period of time, and complete secondary, higher secondary, higher education, or equivalent in technical, vocational, or sports streams, thereby giving them a better footing in both the economic and social spheres. 1. Disincentivising marriage until 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 those of malnutrition. 1. 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 schemes' benefits are therefore paid directly to bank accounts in the girls' names, leaving the decision of utilisation of the money in their hands. 1. 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 behaviour 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.