10.83 lakh girls receive INR 924 crore financial aid, enrolment up by 16% under Gujarat’s Namo Lakshmi Yojana

AHMEDABAD: The Gujarat government on Wednesday said the enrolment ratio of girl students has seen a sharp rise of 16 per cent because of the 'Namo Lakshmi Yojana' which was launched last year to promote education among girls from economically weaker sections.Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel launched the scheme in 2024 with an aim to enrol more girls in Classes 9 to 12, reduce the dropout ratio, help them in their education and thereby empower these female students.Under the scheme, the government provides Rs 50,000 over a period of four years to girls who would complete Classes 9 to 12. This scheme is applicable to girls whose family income is less than Rs 6 lakh per annum, said an official release.A senior official of the state Education Department said the scheme has achieved the goals as envisioned by Patel.During the last one year, Rs 924 crore in financial assistance has been distributed to 10.83 lakh eligible female students from Classes 9 to 12 under the Namo Lakshmi Yojana, said Principal Secretary, Education Department, Mukesh Kumar."This scheme was launched with an aim to encourage education among girls studying in secondary and higher secondary schools.

Under the guidance of our CM Bhupendra Patel, this scheme has met with huge success," he noted."During the last one year, we have disbursed Rs 924 crore in assistance to nearly 10.83 lakh female students. Moreover, the enrolment ratio of girls in these standards have increased by 16 per cent, which proves that the scheme is successful in meeting its objectives," said the bureaucrat.Akshara Diwan, a Class 11 student from Mehsana district, said the financial assistance provided by the government helped her in purchasing textbooks and other study materials."I want to study further because I want to become a police officer. I am using the fund received under the scheme for purchasing textbooks, stationery and other study materials," said Diwan.

Shailesh Prajapati, a beneficiary parent from Mehsana who works as a potter, thanked CM Patel for introducing this scheme."Financial crunch is the main issue poor people like me face everyday. Thanks to this scheme launched by our CM Bhupendra Patel, my daughter can study further and finish her school without worrying about money. Her education will not be affected due to my financial condition," said Prajapati.