Mamata Banerjee Highlights Bengal's Continuous Commitment to Girl Child Empowerment
On the occasion of National Girl Child Day, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee declared that her government celebrates and empowers the girl child every single day of the year, not just on designated occasions. Speaking from Kolkata, Banerjee emphasized that the state's approach is comprehensive and sustained, aiming to support girls at all stages of their lives.
"Future Architects of Society": CM's Message on X
In a heartfelt message posted on social media platform X, the Chief Minister extended her "heartiest love and blessings to every daughter of Bengal and India," describing them as "the future architects of our society." She elaborated that Bengal's philosophy transcends one-day celebrations, focusing instead on continuous empowerment from birth through education and into self-reliance.
"In Bengal, we don't celebrate the girl child merely on one day. We celebrate her and empower her every single day of the year, at all crossroads of her life," Banerjee stated. "From her birth to her education and self-reliance, at every single turn, our government stands by her as a supportive hand-holder."
Flagship Scheme Kanyashree: A Cornerstone Initiative
The Chief Minister highlighted Kanyashree as the foundational program that marks the beginning of a girl's journey in the state. This globally recognized and award-winning initiative is designed to promote girls' education and well-being by discouraging early marriage through financial support.
"Kanyashree is our globally acclaimed and awarded pioneer initiative to promote girls' education and well being by discouraging their unhealthy early marriage," Banerjee explained. "One crore girls over the years have been financially supported by us in this scheme."
Comprehensive Support System Throughout Education
Banerjee detailed a multi-layered support system that accompanies girls through their educational journey:
- Sabooj Sathi: Provides bicycles to ease transportation to schools.
- Shikshashree, Aikyashree, Medhashree, Taruner Swapna: Additional scholarship and support programs.
- Free educational resources: Including books, school uniforms, shoes, and mid-day meals.
These benefits ensure that financial constraints do not hinder a girl's access to quality education from primary levels through college.
Continued Support into Adulthood and Marriage
The Chief Minister emphasized that the state's commitment doesn't end with formal education. When girls reach marriageable age, they receive one-time financial assistance under the Rupashree scheme. Subsequently, adult women are enrolled in Lakshmir Bhandar, which currently provides direct monthly cash transfers to 2.21 crore women across Bengal, fostering financial independence.
"When a girl finally marries, she gets one-time financial assistance under our Rupashree scheme," Banerjee noted. "Then, an adult senior is enrolled in Lakshmir Bhandar, which now provides financial independence to 2.21 crore women of Bengal who get direct monthly cash transfers from the state government."
Healthcare Security Through Swasthya Sathi
Recognizing women as the "prime anchor of the household," Banerjee pointed to the Swasthya Sathi card, which offers assured health insurance coverage of Rs 5 lakh per year for the woman and her entire family. This comprehensive healthcare safety net addresses medical expenses that might otherwise burden families.
Bengal's Daughters Excelling Nationally and Internationally
The Chief Minister proudly noted that Bengal's daughters are now excelling in diverse fields, from scientific laboratories to international sports podiums. This success, she suggested, stems from the supportive environment created by these government initiatives.
"Today, Bengal's daughters are excelling in every field, from the laboratories of science to the podiums of international sports," Banerjee observed. "We reaffirm our pledge to provide them with an environment where they can breathe freely, learn fearlessly, and lead boldly."
Political Context and Women's Support
These remarks come months before crucial elections in West Bengal, at a time when the ruling Trinamool Congress has been actively working to consolidate support among women voters across the state. The detailed enumeration of women-centric schemes serves to highlight the government's track record in gender empowerment as a key political achievement.
By framing these initiatives as part of a continuous, year-round commitment rather than symbolic gestures, Banerjee positions her administration as genuinely invested in transforming the lives of Bengal's women and girls through practical, sustained support mechanisms.
