Synopsis:
“West Bengal’s Kanyashree scheme eyes 1 crore beneficiaries, as CM Mamata Banerjee plans a grand celebration. Explore its impact on education, dropout rates, and political significance.”
Dr. Mohammad Farooque
Kolkata, August 14, 2025:
West Bengal’s flagship Kanyashree scheme is set to achieve a historic milestone, with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee declaring an ambitious target of 1 crore beneficiaries by next year. Launched in 2013 to combat child marriage and promote girls’ education, Kanyashree has already empowered over 93 lakh students across schools, colleges, and universities.
Political Significance Ahead of Elections
With state assembly polls due next year, the Kanyashree expansion carries clear political undertones. At an event in Alipur’s Dhanyadhanya Auditorium, Banerjee hinted at a “special celebration” upon reaching the 1-crore mark, signaling her confidence in returning to power. The scheme, which has cost the state ₹17,000 crore so far, remains central to Trinamool Congress’s welfare-centric campaign narrative.
From Schools to Universities: A Progressive Expansion
Initially targeting schoolgirls, Kanyashree was later extended to colleges (Kanyashree-2) and universities (Kanyashree-3). “Many parents pressured girls into early marriage. Now, education is assured till graduation,” Banerjee emphasized. The scheme also offers ₹10 lakh Smart Cards for higher studies in medicine, engineering, and other fields.
Tangible Impact: Zero Dropout Rates
Data reveals dramatic improvements:
Primary education: Girl dropout rates plummeted from 4.75% (2011-12) to 0%
Secondary: Down from 16.32% to 2.09%
Higher Secondary: Reduced from 15.41% to 3.17%
Global Recognition and Cultural Pride
In 2017, Kanyashree was adjudged the world’s best social scheme by the UN, beating 552 projects from 62 countries. Banerjee, who received the award in The Hague, recalled, “My heart swelled with pride—it still does.” The event also highlighted Bengal’s cultural legacy, invoking Tagore, Nazrul, and Subhas Chandra Bose.
