Kanyashree Prakalpa West Bengal — Scholarship for Girls

What is Kanyashree Prakalpa?

Kanyashree Prakalpa is the West Bengal government's flagship scheme for girls' education and welfare — providing annual scholarship and a one-time grant to girls who remain unmarried, stay enrolled in school, and are from economically weaker families.

The scheme has won international recognition (UNPSA award) for reducing child marriage and improving girls' education in West Bengal.

Two Components of Kanyashree

K1 — Annual Scholarship

• Amount: ₹1,000/year
• Age: 13 to 18 years
• Condition: Must be enrolled in school/college and unmarried
• Paid directly to the girl's bank account

K2 — One-Time Grant

• Amount: ₹25,000 (one-time)
• Age: On turning 18 (or after) — must be at least 18 at the time of receipt
• Condition:
  • Must be unmarried at age 18
  • Must be continuing education (or vocational training, or self-employed if disabled)
• Paid when the girl applies after turning 18 and satisfies conditions

Who is Eligible?

No income limit for: Girls with disability (handicapped girls qualify regardless of income for K2).

How to Apply

Through School (Most Common Route)

1. Apply via your school — most schools have the Kanyashree registration process
2. Fill the application form obtained from the school head
3. Submit with documents to the school
4. School submits to Block/Municipality office
5. Scholarship credited to the girl's bank account (opened in her name)

Online Application

1. Go to wbkanyashree.gov.in
2. Register with mobile number
3. Fill K1 or K2 application
4. Submit online — verified by school and district

For K2 (after turning 18):

• Apply through the same portal or school after you turn 18
• Submit fresh documents confirming age 18+, unmarried status, and continuing education

Documents Required

1. Aadhaar card of the girl
2. Bank account — in the girl's own name (Aadhaar-linked)
3. Income certificate — annual family income below ₹1,20,000
4. Birth certificate or school leaving certificate (for age proof)
5. School enrollment/bonafide certificate (current year)
6. Self-declaration of unmarried status (affidavit or solemn declaration)
7. Disability certificate (if applicable, for K2 without income limit)

Renewal (K1)

K1 scholarship is renewed annually:

• Submit current year enrollment proof and unmarried status declaration
• Renewal is done at the school each year

Kanyashree Card

After approval, the beneficiary receives a Kanyashree Smart Card — a physical card with the girl's photo and ID. This card serves as proof of enrollment in the scheme.

Frequently Asked Questions

My daughter is 15 and just got enrolled. Can she get K1 for previous years she missed?

No — K1 is not paid retroactively. She will receive K1 from the current year of enrollment until she turns 18 or gets married (whichever is earlier).

My daughter got married at 19 (after receiving K2 at 18). Does she have to return the money?

If she received K2 after turning 18 and was unmarried at that time, the grant is valid. Marriage after K2 disbursement does not require return of funds — the condition is being unmarried at 18 when K2 is granted.

Our family income is ₹1.5 lakh/year. Can my daughter apply?

The income limit is ₹1,20,000 (₹1.2 lakh). ₹1.5 lakh exceeds this limit and your daughter may not qualify for the standard scheme. However, check if a disabled daughter qualifies (no income limit for disability K2).

I am 18 and enrolled in college. Have I missed the K2 window?

No — you can apply for K2 now. The K2 grant is for girls who have turned 18 (or older) and are unmarried and continuing education. Apply immediately through your school/college or the online portal.

How is the scholarship money paid?

Directly to the girl's bank account (not parents' account) via DBT. This ensures the girl has financial agency.

Official Links

• Apply + Status: wbkanyashree.gov.in
• Apply via: School/college (most common), Block Development Office
• West Bengal WCD Department: wbwcd.org
• Helpline: 1800-120-3220 (Kanyashree helpline, West Bengal)