Kolkata, 14 August (H.S.): On the occasion of Kanya Ratna Day, the West Bengal government on Friday announced the launch of the ‘Kanya Ratna’ mission aimed at promoting the safety, education and empowerment of girls across the state.

According to a press release issued by the state government, the initiative includes the implementation of the ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’ scheme in West Bengal. The programme seeks to improve the sex ratio at birth, encourage institutional deliveries, ensure access to education for girls, prevent school dropouts and promote awareness about menstrual health and hygiene.

The government said the initiative focuses on empowering girls and women at different stages of their lives and seeks to bring about a change in social attitudes and behaviour towards the girl child. Awareness, incentives, participation and the involvement of various stakeholders will be key components of the programme.

Around 1,600 girl students from schools and colleges in Kolkata, Howrah and North and South 24 Parganas districts participated in the programme.

As part of the Kanya Ratna initiative, the state government has also provided financial assistance to 10.77 lakh girls. According to the government, Rs 1,000 was directly transferred to the bank accounts of 9.48 lakh girls, while Rs 25,000 was transferred to the accounts of another 1.29 lakh beneficiaries. The total amount distributed under the initiative is around Rs 418 crore.

The government also launched the 181 women’s helpline on Friday to provide information about welfare schemes and emergency services for women. The helpline will provide information about government schemes as well as facilitate access to legal assistance and emergency services such as police, fire services and ambulances. Women can also seek assistance through one-stop centres.

During the programme, the government also announced a new childcare initiative called ‘Palna’. The programme aims to provide safe daytime childcare, nutrition and early cognitive development facilities for children of working women.

The initiative will primarily be operated through Anganwadi-cum-creche centres. The government said the facility would provide support to working mothers and could help increase women’s participation in the workforce.

West Bengal has earlier implemented the ‘Kanyashree’ scheme under the Mamata Banerjee government to promote girls’ education and empowerment. The scheme provided financial assistance to girl students to help them continue their education and discourage child marriage.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh