Peer-reviewed article
A Comprehensive Study of Kanyashree Prakalpa and Its Role in Reducing Child Marriage and Promoting Girls Education
Pintu Singha ·
Summary
Written by AI, not yet AICS's view · claude-haiku-4-5-20251001Kanyashree Prakalpa is a conditional cash transfer programme run by West Bengal, India, that provides financial support to adolescent girls to stay unmarried and continue schooling until age 18. A comprehensive review of multiple studies found the scheme has reduced child marriage rates, lowered school dropout rates, and improved girls' access to higher education. The programme also appears to have strengthened girls' decision-making ability and self-confidence.
Key points
- The scheme significantly reduced child marriage in participating communities
- School dropout rates among participating girls decreased
- Girls' access to higher education was strengthened
- Women's empowerment improved through enhanced socio-economic status and decision-making ability
- The programme provided financial incentives for girls to remain unmarried until at least 18 years old
Limitations
This is a synthesis of multiple studies rather than primary research, so specific effect sizes and methodological details of individual studies are not provided. The review does not clearly distinguish between correlation and causation, or discuss potential confounding factors.
Abstract
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.
Findings the Hub has extracted
Each claim below is labelled by its type of design and links back to this report.
- Intervention
- Conditional cash transfer scheme providing financial support to adolescent girls on condition of remaining unmarried and continuing education until age 18
- Population
- Adolescent girls in West Bengal, India
Key finding
Scheme significantly reduced child marriage rates