Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel today inaugurated two schemes, namely Namo Lakshmi Yojana and Namo Saraswati Vigyan Sadhana Yojana, estimated at ₹1500 crore to strengthen secondary and higher secondary education in the state. The launch event took place at Gyanda Girls High School in Ahmedabad, with the presence of Gujarat Primary and Secondary Education Minister Kuber Dindor.
Namo Lakshmi Yojana aims to support girls studying in secondary and higher secondary schools in the state to complete their studies from class 9 to 12. Under this scheme, financial assistance of ₹50,000 will be provided to every girl who completes her studies from class 9 to 12. The scheme targets an estimated 10 lakh girls in government, aided, and private schools, aiming to increase enrollment, reduce dropout rates, and empower girls through education and nutrition. The Gujarat Budget 2024-25 allocates approximately ₹1250 crore for Namo Lakshmi Yojana.
Vigyan Sadhana Yojana is introduced to promote science education in class 11-12 from the year 2024-25. Students who have passed the Class 10 Board Examination with more than 50% marks will be eligible for admission to Science in Class 11-12 in State Government, Aided, and Self-Supporting Schools affiliated with Gujarat Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education and Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) recognized schools. The scheme offers total assistance of Rs. 25,000 on admission in the science stream, with a provision of ₹250 crore in the Gujarat Budget 2024-25.
These two schemes, Namo Lakshmi Yojana and Namo Saraswati Vigyan Sadhana Yojana, are expected to benefit approximately 15 lakh students in secondary and higher secondary schools, providing direct financial assistance through DBT (Direct Beneficiary Transfer) every year.
Additionally, during the launch event, benefits of an estimated ₹61 crore were distributed to over 60,000 students under the Gyansetu Merit Scholarship, Gyansadhana Merit Scholarship, Gyanshakti Residential Schools of Excellence, and Rakshashakti Schools.
The budget allocation for school education has more than doubled in the last five years, and the introduction of these schemes will significantly uplift the education levels of primary, secondary, and higher secondary school students in the state, particularly benefiting girls.