Impact of Kanyashree and Sabooj Sathi Schemes on the Development of Rural Areas in Southern Part of West Bengal, Eastern India

Abstract

Kanyashree and Sabooj Sathi schemes are two noteworthy welfare schemes sponsored by the West Bengal government to develop the rural areas in the state. Kanyashree scheme was launched to check the early marriage of girls whereas the Sabooj Sathi scheme was aimed at empowering the students among the weaker sections of society. The present paper attempts to study the scenario of Kanyashree and Sabooj Sathi schemes, and their role in the development of rural areas in the southern parts of West Bengal in eastern India. The entire work is based on primary data and samples have been selected from three districts, i.e. Purba Medinipur, Paschim Medinipur, and Howrah. Ten sample villages were selected among the three districts and 150 samples were chosen through the purposive sampling method. Average and percentage methods and applied cartographic techniques have been considered for analysis and drawing inferences. Kanyashree remarkably controls the early marriage of girls, reduces the different social barriers that promote the marriage of teenage girls, and broadens the scope of their education. The funds generated for Kanyashree scheme are directly transferred to the beneficiaries’ accounts to meet their private coaching fees, and purchase of educational equipment. Bicycles are provided to the beneficiaries of the Sabooj Sathi scheme to make commuting to school, private coaching centres and playgrounds easy. Family members of the beneficiaries are also using bicycles to reach various places, thereby availing the scope of using it for non-academic purposes associated with numerous important domestic matters. The study found that both the schemes, i.e. Kanyashree and Sabooj Sathi contribute to empowering girl students in the study area.