Kanyashree Prakalpa, launched by the Government of West Bengal, is one of India’s most successful conditional cash transfer schemes aimed at improving girls’ education and reducing child marriage. The program financially supports adolescent girls to remain unmarried and continue their studies until at least eighteen years of age. This research paper provides a comprehensive analysis of the program’s components, implementation, and outcomes by synthesizing evidence from multiple scholarly studies. The findings indicate that the scheme has significantly reduced child marriage, decreased dropout rates, and strengthened girls’ access to higher education. Additionally, Kanyashree has contributed to women’s empowerment by enhancing their socio-economic status, decision-making ability, and self-confidence. The paper concludes with recommendations to strengthen the scheme further and sustain long-term impact.
Pintu Singha (Thu,) studied this question.