Bengal joins ‘Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao’; Rs 2k aid for schoolgirls from 2027

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced on Friday that the national 'Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao' scheme will be introduced in the state. At a Kolkata event to mark 'Kanya Ratna Day', Suvendu revealed that annual scholarships for schoolgirls would be doubled from Rs 1,000 to Rs 2,000 starting next academic year. The Chief Minister addressed over 1,600 female students from various districts, emphasizing the government's commitment to women's education, empowerment, and safety.

He also highlighted recent measures to prioritize employment for women, expand women's colleges and schools, and provide economic security programmes. The Chief Minister formally associated the scheme with the state, urging young women to take a leading role in strengthening society. The Centre's flagship girl child education scheme, launched in 2015 by the Modi government, is now being implemented in West Bengal following the BJP's takeover in the state.