Kanyashree Scheme: West Bengal government is giving ₹25,000 Rupees to girls — check the application process

Standing in the 21st century, where distinguishing between men and women is becoming almost impossible, girls are still being deprived of the right to education in many places. Many girls are being married off before they reach the age of 18. To solve these problems, the Hon’ble Chief Minister of West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee, launched the Kanyashree Scheme, which is now considered one of the best schemes in the world.

Due to its excellent design and good governance features, the Kanyashree Scheme has already received many national and international awards. Below is a detailed discussion of what the Kanyashree Scheme is, its benefits, and the procedure to apply for the scheme.

Overview of Kanyashree Scheme

What is the Kanyashree Scheme?

To ensure that no girl below the age of 18 is married off and that no girl’s education is hindered due to financial constraints, the Government of West Bengal has launched the Kanyashree Scheme.

Objectives of the Kanyashree Scheme

• Through this scheme, every girl in West Bengal will be encouraged to attend school and complete her education.
• The primary objective of the scheme is to prevent child marriage and ensure that no girl below the age of 18 gets married.
• In many areas, discrimination between boys and girls still exists. While boys are often given access to education, girls receive less priority. This scheme aims to eradicate such inequality.
• The scheme promotes skill development and provides training opportunities, thereby empowering girls.
• Kanyashree takes responsibility for the overall educational development of the girl child. It supports not just girls below 18 but also helps them pursue higher education by resolving financial difficulties.
• The scheme also promotes social empowerment and drives positive behavioral change within communities.

Benefits of the Kanyashree Scheme

The financial benefits are provided under three categories: K1, K2, and K3.

K1: Annual Scholarship – ₹1,000

K2: One-time Grant – ₹25,000

K3: Monthly Scholarship – ₹2,000–₹2,500

• Girls studying science receive ₹2,500 per month.
• Girls studying commerce or arts receive ₹2,000 per month.

Eligibility Criteria for Kanyashree Scheme

Eligibility for K1 (Annual Scholarship)

• Applicant’s age must be between 13 and 18 years.
• Must be studying in at least class VIII.
• Earlier, the family’s annual income limit was ₹1,20,000, but now the scheme is open to all.
• Must be studying in a government or government-recognized school.
• The applicant must be unmarried.
• Income relaxations are available for physically challenged applicants or those who have lost both parents.

Eligibility for K2 (One-time Grant)

• Applicant must be 18 years or older but below 19.
• Must be pursuing any of the following: Madhyamik, Higher Secondary, Technical, Vocational, Sports-related courses, etc.
• Income relaxations may be applicable in special cases.

Eligibility for K3 (Monthly Scholarship)

• The applicant must be a graduate student.
• Must have secured at least 45% marks in the graduation exam.
• There is no upper age limit for this scholarship.

Who Can Benefit from the Kanyashree Scheme?

• Permanent residents of West Bengal.
• Students studying under the West Bengal Board.
• Only unmarried girls are eligible.

Who Cannot Apply?

• Married girls.
• Students from boards other than the West Bengal Board.
• Girls below 13 years of age.

Documents Required

• Birth certificate
• Declaration from parents/guardian confirming the applicant is unmarried
• Photocopy of bank passbook (first page)
• Aadhaar card
• Ration card
• Family income certificate
• Residential certificate
• Educational certificate
• Passport-size photo

How to Apply for the Kanyashree Scheme

1. Visit the official Kanyashree Scholarship website.
2. Click on Registration.
3. Scroll down and check the box declaring that you agree to the terms and have read the instructions.
4. Click on Proceed for Registration.
5. A popup will appear regarding new or renewal applications; click Close.
6. Page 3 of the application form, signed by the head of the institution, will be given to the applicant as the acknowledgment slip.

Important Points While Filling Out the Form

• Ensure the applicant’s name spelling is correct.
• Provide a valid mobile number because all communication will be sent via SMS.
• The applicant must have her own bank account, and the number must be written correctly.
• Ensure all required signatures are provided wherever needed.

How to Check Application Status (Kanyashree Status Check)

1. Visit the official Kanyashree website.
2. Click on Track Application.
3. Enter:
   • Year
   • Type of Scheme
   • Applicant ID
   • Date of Birth
4. Click Submit.

Once approved, the money will be transferred to the applicant’s bank account.

Renewal and Update Procedure

• Once a student applies for K1, the head of the institution will renew the application every year until the girl turns 18.
• Each year, the applicant must submit proof that she is still unmarried.
• After turning 18, the applicant will be upgraded from K1 to K2.
• After completing the K2 application correctly, the girl will receive ₹25,000 in her bank account.

How to Get the Kanyashree ID

After submitting the application on the portal, an ID number will be sent to the registered mobile number. This is the Kanyashree ID, which can be used to check the status.

Kanyashree Scheme Helpline

Email: support.kanyashree@nic.in

Phone: 033-23373846

Some Important Links for the Kanyashree Scheme