Trinamool Congress MP Derek O'Brien today said the Centre did not allow West Bengal's tableau, depicting the "path breaking Kanya Shree initiative", to participate in the Republic Day parade in the capital despite repeated requests by the state government. "Bengal tableau for Republic Day depicting path breaking Kanya Shree initiative was not allowed. We requested, but no.," Brien told PTI. Bengal's unique Kanyashree Project has received international acclaim when the Department for International Development, the UK and UNICEF selected the scheme for presentation at the Girl Summit 2014. Under the project, girls between the age of 13 and 18 years, studying in Class VIII to Class XII in an institute affiliated to the state government, are eligible for an annual stipend of Rs 500. A one-time grant of Rs 25,000, for girls between 18 and 19 years was also offered to enable them to pursue higher education or a vocational or sports course in a state government-affiliated institute.
