Kolkata: Governor Keshari Nath Tripathi on Friday stressed on the importance of the Modi government’s “Beti Bachao Beti Padhao” project, more than the Mamata Banerjee government’s “Kanyashree”, underlining that the Centre’s initiative is better focused on a span from growing up to education to social contribution in case of the girls’ empowerment.

He observed that the financial assistance under Kanyashree project has been limited. His comments earned him sharp criticism from Trinamul Congress minister Firhad Hakim who questioned his comparison while holding a constitutional post. Mr Tripathi said, “Kanyashree offers a limited financial help. But growing up a girl child, providing education to her and helping her to contribute to the society and the  development of the country is a different aspect. It is one of the aspects also.”

He was speaking to the media on the sidelines of an awareness building programme  ‘Cleanliness Health and Hygiene’ and ‘Inculcating reading habits among the students’ organised by Raja Rammohan Roy Library Foundation under the union ministry of culture at EZCC. Countering the Governor’s observation Mr Hakim said, “I am surprised by his statement. His post is constitutional but he openly praises for a government.”

The urban development minister elaborated, “Kanyashree is such a project which has been acknowledged at the international level. Our chief minister received an award from the United Nations. There is hardly any scope of offering any financial assistance in ‘Beti Bachao Beti Padhao’ project. The governor will earn more honour if he talks on an issue after having a thorough knowledge.”