The United Nations has accorded the highest award, the first place for Public Service to the West Bengal Government for its scheme titled “Kanyashree Prakalpa” at a ceremony held at the World Forum, The Hague. 552 projects from 62 countries were nominated for the award. A trophy and a certificate was received by the Honorable Chief Minister of West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee. Earlier, she had also participated at a ministerial conversation at the same venue.
United Nations Public Service Award for the first place is for reaching the poorest and the most vulnerable through inclusive services and participation. “Kanyashree Prakalpa” is a targeted conditional cash transfer scheme aimed at retaining girls in schools and other educational and skill development institutions and preventing child marriage. The scheme has already enrolled more than four million adolescent girls. The Government of West Bengal has till date, transferred about $ 500 Million directly to the beneficiaries’ bank account. The scheme is being implemented through 16000 institutes and schools.
Shortly after receiving the award on behalf of the state, Honorable Chief Minister said that it was a historic achievement and indeed a proud moment for the people of West Bengal and India. She reiterated the commitment of the Government to innovate and implement more such public service programmes to cater to the needs of the most vulnerable sections of the society, in line with the 2030 agenda for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Meet the winners of the 2017 UN Public Service Awards, honoured for innovation & excellence in public service to help achieve #GlobalGoals https://t.co/rkWUfXsGGb
— United Nations (@UN) June 23, 2017
#UNPSA2017 honor initiatives in 11 countries that are advancing #SDGs progress! Learn more: https://t.co/tKS5icEoJI #GlobalGoals pic.twitter.com/NVWtD65i9N
— UN DESA (@UNDESA) June 23, 2017
"Kanyashree” of #Bengal now becomes“Kanyashree” of the world. My FB post >> https://t.co/ubthPpsyUu pic.twitter.com/060Ci4bAur
— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) June 23, 2017
