In 2014, Ruby Khatun’s father postponed her marriage to take advantage of the government’s Kanyashree scheme. With 33 lakh beneficiaries, the scheme aims to prevent child marriage and school dropout. Unmarried girls of 13-18 years of age, from families with annual income of up to ₹1.2 lakh are entitled to receive a monthly stipend of ₹750. Once she turns 18 in two years, Ruby will receive ₹25,000 provided that she remains unmarried and is either studying or working.

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