Kanyashree was ranked the best among 552 such social sector schemes from across 62 countries that were nominated for the coveted award.

In a major boost to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's pet project 'Kanyashree', the United Nations today accorded its highest award for public service to the West Bengal government for the scheme initiated to empower the girl child with education.

The project was launched in 2011 soon after Mamata Banerjee came to power and has helped more than 40 lakh female students in the state.

'Kanyashree' was ranked the best among 552 such social sector schemes from across 62 countries that were nominated for the coveted award. The award was presented at the World Public Service Forum by UN Assistant Secretary General at a ceremony in Hague in Netherlands.

After receiving the award, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee dedicated it to the people of her state and the country.

"We are delighted on behalf of our countrymen and the people of Bengal to receive the first prize on UN Public Service Day. Receiving the first prize from the UN for Kanyashree is a huge honour and recognition," Banerjee said.

'Kanyashree Prakalpa' is a targeted conditional cash transfer scheme aimed at retaining girls in schools and other educational and skill development institutions along with preventing child marriage.

The scheme has already enrolled more than four million adolescent girls with the state government transferring a sanctioned some of money directly to the beneficiaries' bank account.

The scheme is being implemented through 16,000 institutes and schools across West Bengal.

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