Backward Classes Welfare dept starts special beneficiary distribution scheme

Kolkata: The state Backward Classes Welfare (BCW) department has recently initiated a weekly scheme 'Pariseba' — a special beneficiary distribution programme for the backward classes before the Pujas. The scheme that has begun in all the 341 blocks across the state will continue till September 22.

"We will be distributing bicycles, modern sophisticated instruments for agriculture and educational equipment. There will be more than

1,500 beneficiaries in all the blocks," Churamani Mahato, BCW minister said on the sidelines of a programme organised by an NGO.

Mahato said work for Kanyashree and Sabuj Sathi projects initiated by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is going on in full swing across

the state. Lauding the NGO's initiative that has set a target of empowering 50,000 girls in the age group of 18 years and above in the next five years, the minister assured of all cooperation from the state government.

Around 30 successful women achievers were conferred with Anupama Samman at the programme.

National table tennis player Poulami Ghatak, Dr Manabi Bandyopadhyay , first transgender to become principal of Krishnanagar Women's College, elocutionist Bratati Bandyopadhyay, eminent danseuse Alokananda Roy were among those felicitated.

Kanchan Gaba, secretary of the NGO said the project is aimed at empowering 50,000 women in the next five years through skill development and helping them in livelihood generation.

"On an average, 10,000 Kanyashree girls will become self reliant annually and we will felicitate them every year. Our objective is to ensure women empowerment in its real sense," she said.