How SPKSY scheme is bringing back girl children to school in Jharkhand

In an attempt to prevent child marriages, school dropout and boosting higher education especially among girl children, the Government of Jharkhand has been running the Savitribai Phule Kishori Samriddhi Yojana (SPKSY) scheme. Under this scheme scholarships totalling Rs 40,000 is provided to the beneficiary in six instalments. The scheme which was launched by the Hemant Soren-led government is aimed at encouraging higher education among adolescent girls across the state.

This financial assistance from the state government is a major support to a lot of girls belonging to the marginalised sections of the society to fulfil their dreams of pursuing higher education. This scheme has not only helped combat the issue of child marriage in the state but has also played a role in reducing the number of dropouts of girl students from schools.

Benefits of SPKSY scheme

Under the Savitribai Phule Kishori Samriddhi Yojana scheme or SPKSY, a total amount of Rs 40,000 is given by the state to the girl student in six instalments. Girls students in classes VIII to XII get Rs 20,000 in five instalments and Rs 20,000 in one instalment when they reach the age of 18 or 19.

In 2023-24, reportedly over 7.15 adolescent girls were part of the scheme and the benefits were given to over nine lakh girls.

Campaign to boost attendance in schools

Meanwhile, the Seeti Bajao School Bulao campaign launched by the state’s School Education and Literacy Department is working to raise awareness among students and parents to increase attendance in schools and prevent dropouts.

As part of this campaign, a group of student representatives in school uniforms of different colours walk through the streets and lanes in various localities early in the morning before school. These children blow whistles as a way of calling other students to come and join them on the way to school. The students then march to their respective schools, singing, chatting and dancing.

The purpose is to encourage children who are unwilling to go to school to bring them back to the classroom. At the same time, parents who encourage their children to stay at home and perform household chores or help them in the field, the campaign also sends a message to them about the necessity of sending their children to the school.