Kolkata: The West Bengal government will provide scholarships to girl students who continue to study after Class 8 in a bid to reduce the drop-out rate among girls, Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee said here recently.

"Most of the girls are not able to continue their studies after Class 8 due to lack of financial support. So, we have decided to provide scholarships to girl students who continue their studies after class 8," Bhattacharjee said on the closing day of the Vidyasagar fair.

"It will not only help the girls to continue their studies but will also help parents as the financial burden will be reduced. We want girls of Bengal to get educated and continue their studies. We are with them," Bhattacharjee added. IANS