The Kanyashree Scholarship is a flagship initiative by the Government of West Bengal aimed at empowering girls through financial support for their education. Launched by the Department of Women & Child Development and Social Welfare, this scheme encourages girls from economically disadvantaged backgrounds to continue their education and prevent early marriage.
The scholarship is available in two forms: Kanyashree K1 and Kanyashree K2. The K1 scholarship provides an annual grant of ₹1,000 to girls aged 13 to 18, ensuring they remain in school. The K2 scholarship is a one-time grant of ₹25,000 given to girls aged 18 or above who are still pursuing education and are unmarried. Additionally, the Kanyashree K3 program offers financial assistance to girls pursuing postgraduate studies.
To be eligible, the applicant must be a resident of West Bengal, studying in a recognized school or college, and belong to a family with an annual income of less than ₹1.2 lakh. However, income criteria may be waived for girls with special needs, orphans, or those in government-run homes. The scholarship amount is directly transferred to the beneficiary’s bank account via the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system.
The application process is conducted through schools and colleges, where eligible students can fill out the form and submit necessary documents such as an Aadhaar card, birth certificate, income certificate, and bank account details. The initiative has significantly contributed to reducing dropout rates, improving female literacy, and delaying child marriages in West Bengal.
By promoting education and financial independence, the Kanyashree Scholarship has empowered millions of girls, providing them with better opportunities for higher studies and career growth, ultimately fostering gender equality and social development in the state.
