Gandhinagar: In a major step towards inclusive and transparent education reforms, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Tuesday transferred over ₹724 crore directly into the bank accounts of more than 13 lakh students across the state via Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
The disbursement was made under four flagship schemes – Namo Lakshmi Yojana, Namo Saraswati Vigyan Sadhana Yojana, Mukhyamantri Gyan Sadhana Merit Scholarship Yojana, and Mukhyamantri Gyan Setu Merit Scholarship Yojana. The virtual ceremony in Gandhinagar was attended by Education Minister Dr Kuber Dindor, Minister of State for Education Praful Pansheriya, and senior state officials.
Empowering Girls Through Namo Lakshmi Yojana
A key highlight of the initiative was the ₹600 crore disbursed to 10.83 lakh girl students under the Namo Lakshmi Yojana, aimed at reducing dropout rates among girls in Classes 9 to 12. The scheme offers ₹10,000 per annum for Classes 9 and 10, and ₹15,000 per annum for Classes 11 and 12.
- Since its launch, the scheme has led to:
- A 16% rise in female admissions in higher secondary schools
- An 11% increase in science stream enrolment among girls
Boosting Science Education: Namo Saraswati Vigyan Sadhana Yojana
Under the Namo Saraswati Vigyan Sadhana Yojana, financial assistance of ₹25,000 over two years is provided to students opting for the science stream in Classes 11 and 12. On Thursday, the CM disbursed ₹52 crore to 1.53 lakh students, reinforcing Gujarat’s commitment to building a future-ready technical workforce.
This scheme supports the state’s broader vision of becoming a hub for semiconductors, green energy, and digital technologies.
Merit-Based Support Through Gyan Sadhana & Gyan Setu Yojanas
Two additional schemes target bright students from government and grant-aided schools:
- Mukhyamantri Gyan Sadhana Merit Scholarship Yojana: On June 24, ₹41 crore was transferred to 50,000 students from RTE backgrounds who studied in Classes 1 to 8.
- Mukhyamantri Gyan Setu Merit Scholarship Yojana: ₹31 crore was distributed to 60,000 students transitioning from primary to middle school (Class 6), supporting continued academic excellence.
Total Disbursement Crosses ₹1,318.98 Crore
Tuesday’s disbursement of ₹724 crore takes the cumulative DBT payout under these four schemes to ₹1,318.98 crore, benefiting over 13 lakh students in Gujarat. The effort underscores the state government’s focus on digital governance, educational equity, and merit-based progression.
Top Officials Present at Virtual DBT Event
The virtual disbursement ceremony was attended by:
- Mukesh Kumar, Principal Secretary, Education
- Avantika Singh, Additional Principal Secretary to the CM
- Dr Vikrant Pandey, Secretary, Education Department
