Odisha Chief Minister Unveils Mukhyamantri Kanya Sumangal Yojana in State Budget
In a significant move aimed at bolstering women's empowerment and educational access, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced the Mukhyamantri Kanya Sumangal Yojana during the presentation of the state budget on Friday. This new scheme is specifically designed to support girls from economically disadvantaged backgrounds in pursuing and completing higher education.
Financial Support for Graduation Goals
Under this initiative, the government will create a savings instrument worth Rs 20,000 in the name of every girl child born into an economically weak family. This foundational investment is intended to secure her educational future from an early age.
Upon successfully completing her graduation, the beneficiary will receive a substantial amount of Rs 1,01,000 from the government. This financial incentive is structured to encourage and facilitate the completion of undergraduate studies, aligning with the administration's vision for female educational attainment.
Government's Vision for Women's Empowerment
Chief Minister Majhi emphasized that a core vision of his government under the broader umbrella of women's empowerment is to ensure that every girl child completes graduation. He stated, "One of the visions of our government under women's empowerment is to see every girl child complete graduation. Under this new scheme, the government will assist economically disadvantaged girls to pursue higher education."
The scheme represents a proactive step towards addressing educational disparities and fostering gender equality in Odisha. By targeting financial barriers, it aims to:
- Increase enrollment and retention of girls in higher education institutions.
- Reduce dropout rates among female students from low-income families.
- Empower women through academic qualifications, enhancing their career prospects and socio-economic status.
Announced in Bhubaneswar, the Mukhyamantri Kanya Sumangal Yojana is set to be a cornerstone of the state's educational and social welfare policies, reflecting a commitment to inclusive growth and development.
