Gujarat Launches Major Education Support Schemes. Gujarat Government Education Schemes: Namo Lakshmi and Namo Saraswati schemes, Gujarat govt disburses over Rs 1161 crore for students.
Gujarat Launches Major Education Support Schemes
The Gujarat government has intensified its focus on education by launching two major schemes in March 2024. These initiatives aim to provide financial support to students, with a particular emphasis on girls and students pursuing science streams.
These schemes align with the vision of a developed India by 2047 and have already benefited over 12 lakh students with a total disbursement exceeding Rs 1,161 crore.
Namo Lakshmi Yojana
The Namo Lakshmi Yojana specifically targets girl students studying in Classes 9 to 12. Its main objective is to ensure that no girl discontinues her education due to financial difficulties.
The scheme is applicable to students enrolled in schools under the Gujarat Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Board (GSHSEB) as well as the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE). Girls who are already recipients of other scholarships remain eligible for this program.
Each beneficiary receives Rs 50,000 divided over four years to support their educational expenses. Since its launch, more than 10.49 lakh girls have benefited from the scheme, with total disbursements crossing Rs 1,000 crore.
The program is managed through a dedicated Namo Lakshmi Portal which enhances transparency and efficiency in fund management.
Namo Saraswati Vigyan Sadhana Yojana
This scheme encourages students to pursue science in Classes 11 and 12. To be eligible, students must have secured at least 50% marks in their Class 10 examinations. The program is open to students studying in government, grant-in-aid, and self-financed recognized schools within the state.
Eligible students receive financial assistance totaling Rs 25,000 over two years. To date, over 1.5 lakh students have benefited, with disbursements exceeding Rs 161 crore. Like the Namo Lakshmi Yojana, this scheme is managed through a dedicated Namo Saraswati Portal to ensure smooth implementation and monitoring.
Alignment with National Vision
Both these schemes reflect the Gujarat government’s commitment to the vision of a developed India by 2047, championed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The schemes aim to prepare students for future-ready education during the Amrit Kaal period, focusing on supporting girl students and science learners.
This also addresses key issues of gender equity and skill development, crucial for building a balanced and inclusive workforce for the future.
Implementation and Impact
The use of dedicated digital portals has enhanced the transparency and ease of access to these schemes. As a result, there has been a noticeable increase in enrollment and retention rates among girls and science students.
By providing timely financial support, these initiatives help reduce dropout rates caused by economic hardships and motivate students to continue higher education and pursue careers in science and technology fields.
These schemes form a critical part of Gujarat’s broader development agenda under Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel’s leadership, reinforcing the state's focus on educational empowerment and socio-economic progress.
This comprehensive approach offers Gujarat’s students more equitable access to quality education, especially for marginalized groups, and strengthens the foundation for the state’s long-term development goals.
