Kanyashree: State calls for vocational and technical training for girls

The state government aims to ensure that girls stay in school and marry after at least 18 years of age.

The Kanyashree Scheme uses a social safety net mechanism that has shown a high degree of success in transforming the lives of children and adolescents through Conditional Cash Transfers.

In a CII conclave on Friday, where the state government’s ‘vision of development’ was discussed, Roshni Sen, Secretary to the Women Development & Social Welfare & Child Development Department explained that Kanyashree’s core objectives are simple and focused. “It aims to ensure that girls stay in school and delay their marriages till at least the age of 18,” Sen said.

Rupali Basu, who is the President and CEO (ER), Apollo Hospitals Group and CII West Bengal Vice Chairperson, also called for strong and concerted efforts to promote vocational and technical training for the ‘Kanyashree girls’ when they attain the age of 18.

“Being connected with healthcare, I strongly advocate Nursing and Technician courses which have high and immediate employability. Both the public and private sectors should come forward and promote Nursing and Technician Courses for these women to provide them with a rewarding and sustainable means of livelihood,” she said, adding that NGOs also have a role to play here in getting the underprivileged and school dropouts to attain the minimum qualification level for entry into these courses.

However, Sen also added, the Kanyashree girls have started speaking for themselves. They have also started demanding their rightful claims. It is our turn to show them opportunities, equip them, and make them future leaders. Sen also made a mention of corporate social responsibility hub, which is something where corporate houses can provide their funds for the betterment of people.

SK Thade, Principal Secretary, Backward Classes Welfare also explained what the State Government is doing to include the people living on the fringes of society to the mainstream. The core principle is to give them opportunities, in terms of education and jobs.

Rashmi Kamal, of East Midnapore and Antara Acharya, of North 24 Parganas – shared the state government’s ‘Vision of Development’. Both called upon the corporates to supplement the government’s initiatives which are being taken at the grassroots level and help narrow the resource gap.