Form distribution for Rupashree begins

Kolkata: The distribution of forms for Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's dream project Rupashree has begun from Wednesday.

Banerjee had made the announcement of the project, under which the state government will be providing a one-time financial assistance of Rs 25,000 to the family of a girl at the time of her marriage, in the state Assembly in January.

The state government has allotted Rs 1,500 crore for the project and around 6 lakh families will get the benefits of the scheme.

A senior official said that the forms have been made available from offices of Block Development Officers (BDO), Sub-Divisional Officers (SDOs) and local civic bodies.

Though at present the application forms are available only in state-run offices, the same will also be made available online soon.

As per the scheme, a woman above 18 years can apply for the same, once the date of her marriage is finalised.

The concerned officials will go through the documents furnished along with the application form and if everything is found to be alright, then the money will get transferred to the bank account of the applicant, five days ahead of her marriage.

Applicants need to provide documents including photocopies of their birth certificate, invitation card of marriage or other equivalent document, an identification card and details of their bank accounts. The applicants also have to give a statement in writing, that they have consent in the marriage.

Soon after coming to power, the state government had started taking initiatives to ensure support to women. Kanyashree Prakalpa, which has ensured a considerable dip in dropout rates from schools, has won the first prize in United Nations Public Service Award for Asia Pacific in Netherlands.

It may be mentioned that the Chief Minister had been speaking about the newly launched scheme of the state government, during her programmes in districts.

She has directed concerned officials to ensure that applicants do not face any problem in getting forms and submitting the same.