24-Jun-2017: Kanyashree Scheme For Girls In Bengal Wins UN Award

The West Bengal government has won the prestigious UN Public Service Award for its initiative to combat child marriage and ensure education to the girl child in the state. The West Bengal government was among the 12 institutions from 11 countries that were recognised by the world body on UN Public Service Day, commemorated on June 23rd.

India was named first in the Asia-Pacific group for the category: ‘Reaching the Poorest and Most Vulnerable through Inclusive Services and Participation’. Through the initiative, cash was deposited into the bank account of girls for every year they remained in school and were unmarried. This initiative led to a drastic reduction in child marriage, increase in female education and female empowerment.

The UN Public Service Day is celebrated every year to recognise public service innovations and excellence that have led to more effective and inclusive public service delivery contributing to the achievement of the SDGs in countries worldwide.

The UN Public Service Awards are given to institutions from across the world for their innovation and excellence in providing public services. It highlights the pivotal role of public services in the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The Awards aim at discovering innovations in governance; reward excellence in the public sector; motivate public servants to further promote innovation; enhance professionalism in the public service; raise the image of public service; enhance trust in government; and collect and disseminate successful practices for possible replication.