A girl studying in eleventh standard at a state-aided senior madrasah in Malda has filed a complaint with the administration, alleging that she was deprived of the Kanyashree scholarship — a financial assistance provided by the Mamata Banerjee government to girl students — for not paying money to an employee working in a panchayat.

The block administration has initiated a probe and has assured necessary steps if the complaint is found to be true.

The girl, who studied at Batna JMO Senior Madrasah in Ratua-I block of the district, said since she has crossed 18 years of age, she had applied for the scholarship and had filled up the necessary form.

“Although forms filled by the other girls of my class were approved, mine was rejected. I was asked to pay money by an employee of Chandmoni-II panchayat who is in charge of approving the Kanyashree forms. I refused to pay the money and later, learnt that the form was rejected as I was identified as a married girl,” she said.

As per the guidelines of the scheme, only unmarried girl students get a one-time-grant of Rs. 25,000 after crossing 18 years of age.

The girl confirmed that she is still unmarried and has urged the BDO to conduct a probe and see that she receives the scholarship.

The concerned panchayat employee could not be contacted.

Rakesh Toppo, the BDO, however, said they are looking into the matter. “If the girl’s complaint is found to be correct, administrative steps would be taken against the concerned employee,” he said.