Gujarat to Support Girls Education with ₹1,250 Crore under Namo Laxmi Scheme

Girls education in Gujarat has received a major boost with a large-scale financial support announcement. To ensure that economic hardship does not interrupt schooling after primary education, the state government has expanded direct assistance for adolescent girls. The move reflects Gujarat’s continued focus on educational access, gender equity, and overall empowerment of girl students.

Why in News?

The Gujarat government has announced ₹1,250 crore financial aid under the Namo Laxmi Scheme for the 2025-26 academic year, benefiting over 12 lakh girls studying in Classes 9 to 12.

What Is the Namo Laxmi Scheme?

• The Namo Laxmi Scheme is a state-sponsored initiative aimed at supporting secondary and higher secondary education of girls.
• Launched under the guidance of Bhupendra Patel, the scheme ensures that financial constraints do not force girls to drop out after primary schooling.
• It provides structured monetary assistance over four years, linking education with improved health, nutrition, and long-term empowerment.

Financial Assistance Structure

• Under the scheme, each eligible girl student from Classes 9 to 12 receives ₹50,000 in total over four years.
• For Classes 9 and 10, students receive ₹20,000, including monthly support and a lump sum after clearing the Class 10 board examination.
• For Classes 11 and 12, the assistance amounts to ₹30,000, again combining monthly instalments with a completion-based payout after Class 12.
• This design encourages continuity and successful completion of schooling.

Eligibility and Coverage

• The scheme is applicable to girls enrolled in schools recognized by the Gujarat Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Board or Central Board of Secondary Education.
• Students must have completed Classes 1-8 in government or aided schools, under RTE, or Class 8 in a private school.
• Family income should not exceed ₹6 lakh annually.
• Importantly, girls already receiving other scholarships are also eligible, as this scheme offers additional support.

Focus on Nutrition and Health

• Beyond education, the Namo Laxmi Scheme also addresses adolescent nutrition and health.
• Regular financial assistance helps families ensure proper food and healthcare for school-going girls.
• The Education Department highlighted that better nourishment directly contributes to improved learning outcomes, attendance, and overall well-being, strengthening the link between education and holistic development.

Role in Gujarat’s Education Model

• The initiative builds on earlier education-focused programmes launched in Gujarat, such as Shala Praveshotsav, which boosted school enrolment and retention.
• Many of these initiatives, started during the tenure of Narendra Modi as Chief Minister of Gujarat, later inspired similar schemes at the national level.
• The Namo Laxmi Scheme continues this legacy by targeting adolescent girls, a group vulnerable to school dropouts.

Key Summary at a Glance

Question

Q. Under the Namo Laxmi Scheme, Gujarat provides financial assistance to girls studying in which classes?

A. Classes 6 to 8
B. Classes 8 to 10
C. Classes 9 to 12
D. Classes 10 to 12