New Delhi, Jan 24 (UNI) Reaffirming her government’s commitment to women’s empowerment, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on National Girl Child Day said that daughters are not celebrated in Bengal for just one day, but supported and empowered at every stage of their lives.
Calling girls “the future architects of our society,” the Chief Minister, in a post on X, highlighted a wide range of welfare schemes aimed at education, health, and financial independence. “On National Girl Child Day, I extend my heartiest love and blessings to every daughter of Bengal and India,” Banerjee said. “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.”
The Chief Minister said the state’s journey of empowering girls begins at birth and continues through education and adulthood, with flagship schemes designed to address social and economic barriers. She cited Kanyashree, a globally acclaimed initiative that promotes girls’ education while discouraging early marriage.
“Through Kanyashree, over one crore girls have been financially supported over the years so that they remain in formal education and build a healthier future,” Banerjee said, noting that the scheme has received international recognition for its impact.
To improve access to schools, Banerjee referred to Sabooj Sathi, under which bicycles are provided to students, easing mobility, particularly in rural areas. She also listed several scholarship and assistance programmes, including Shikshashree, Aikyashree, Medhashree, and Taruner Swapna, along with free textbooks, school uniforms, shoes, and midday meals.
“These interventions ensure that no girl is forced to drop out of school due to poverty or lack of resources,” she said. Banerjee said the state continues to stand by women beyond education. Under the Rupashree scheme, girls receive one-time financial assistance at the time of marriage. In adulthood, women are enrolled in Lakshmir Bhandar, a flagship social security programme that provides direct monthly cash transfers.
“Lakshmir Bhandar has today ensured financial independence for 2.21 crore women in Bengal,” the Chief Minister said. “This direct support recognises women as the prime anchors of our households.” She added that women and their families are also covered under the Swasthya Sathi scheme, which provides assured health insurance coverage of up to Rs 5 lakh per year per family.
Highlighting the outcomes of these initiatives, Banerjee said Bengal’s daughters are now making their mark across diverse fields. “From the laboratories of science to the podiums of international sports, our girls are excelling everywhere,” she said. Reiterating her government’s resolve, the Chief Minister added, “We reaffirm our pledge to provide our daughters an environment where they can breathe freely, learn fearlessly, and lead boldly.” She concluded her message with the rallying call: “Jai Hind! Jai Bangla!”
UNI SKA PPP AAB