This Tuesday, Gujarat government announced that it will provide financial assistance of Rs 1,250 crore in the 2025-26 academic year to more than 12 lakh girls studying in secondary and higher secondary education under the Namo Laxmi Scheme.
Gujarat Launching Namo Lakshmi Scheme
Basically, this scheme aims to ensure that financial constraints do not prevent girls from completing their education after primary schooling, said the State Education Department.
When it comes to the Namo Laxmi Scheme, this initiative was launched under the guidance of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, with Education Minister Dr Praduman Vaja and State Education Minister Rivaba Jadeja overseeing its implementation.
Moreover, this scheme is open to students enrolled in schools recognised by the Gujarat Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Board (GSHSEB) or the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) according to the department.
Further adding that the girls who are already beneficiaries of other government scholarships are also eligible, as the scheme provides additional support.
It appears that the students in Classes 9 to 12 will receive total financial assistance of Rs 50,000 over four years under the Namo Laxmi Scheme.
They will be providing the total support of Rs 20,000 for the Classes 9 and 10 with Rs 5,000 provided annually as Rs 500 per month over 10 months. The remaining Rs 10,000 will be released upon passing the Class 10 board examinations.
Similarly, the students for Classes 11 and 12, will receive Rs 30,000, of which Rs 7,500 is provided annually as Rs 750 per month over 10 months in each year, and the dents remaining Rs 15,000 following successful completion of Class 12 board exams.
Supporting Girls Education & Enhancing Adolescent Nutrition and Health
By launching this scheme, this government intended not only to support girls’ education but also to enhance adolescent nutrition and health.
While talking about this initiative, the department emphasised that the financial assistance will help ensure that students receive proper nourishment alongside their schooling, contributing to their overall empowerment.
If you are wondering about the eligibility for the scheme, it requires the students to have completed Classes 1 to 8 in government or aided primary schools or under the RTE, or to have completed Class 8 in a private primary school, and to belong to families with an annual income of Rs six lakh or less.
So, the students who are enrolled in Class 9 and can meet these criteria can avail themselves of the benefits.
These initiatives commenced in Gujarat under the leadership of the then Chief Minister and current Prime Minister Narendra Modi, such as Shala Praveshotsav (School Enrollment Festivals) noted the Education Department.
With the initiative of these programmes, the Gujarat government is promoting girl education while inspiring similar efforts across the country.
