The United Nations has awarded the West Bengal government the first place for Public Service for its “Kanyashree” scheme.
The award ceremony was held at the World Forum, The Hague. A total of 552 projects from 62 countries were nominated for the award.
A trophy and a certificate was received by the Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee.
The “Kanyashree Prakalpa” is a targeted conditional cash transfer scheme aimed at retaining girls in schools and other educational institutions. It also aims towards skill development and prevent child marriage.
Over 4 million adolescent girls have already enrolled in the scheme and about $ 500 million handed over to the beneficiaries through their bank accounts, a release from the State government said. The scheme is being implemented through 16000 institutes and schools.