In a major milestone for girls’ education and welfare in India, Gujarat’s government has disbursed ₹924 crore under the Namo Lakshmi Yojana, benefiting more than 10 lakh girl students across the state. This flagship initiative, aimed at promoting educational inclusion and gender equality, reflects the government’s commitment to empowering young girls by ensuring financial stability and reducing dropout rates.
Let’s take a deeper look at how this initiative is reshaping the future of millions of young girls in Gujarat and setting a model for the rest of the nation.
Understanding the Namo Lakshmi Yojana
What is the Namo Lakshmi Yojana?
The Namo Lakshmi Yojana is a financial assistance scheme launched by the Gujarat government to incentivize education among girls from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Named after Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who previously served as Chief Minister of Gujarat, the scheme aims to curb school dropouts, enhance literacy rates among girls, and encourage families to educate their daughters through direct financial support.
Objectives of the Scheme
Reduce dropout rates among adolescent girls.
Improve enrollment and retention of girls in secondary and higher secondary schools.
Promote financial inclusion for girl students.
Encourage completion of school education through steady financial aid.
Support girl students in pursuing career-oriented education.
Key Highlights of the ₹924 Crore Disbursement
Scale of Implementation
The Gujarat government has disbursed ₹924 crore to over 10 lakh girl students, marking one of the largest direct financial transfers under an educational initiative in the state’s history. The funds were released directly into the bank accounts of eligible students, ensuring transparency and minimizing leakages.
Breakdown of Benefits
According to official sources:
Girls in Classes 9 and 10 received ₹10,000 per year.
Girls in Classes 11 and 12 were given ₹15,000 per year.
The funds were disbursed quarterly or biannually based on school attendance and continuation of education.
This tiered system of disbursement aims to offer greater support as the cost and pressure of education increases at higher levels.
Eligibility and Application Process
Who Is Eligible?
To benefit from the Namo Lakshmi Yojana, girl students must:
Be permanent residents of Gujarat.
Belong to low-income families (BPL or similar criteria).
Be enrolled in government, government-aided, or recognized private schools.
Maintain minimum attendance as mandated by the school education department.
Priority is given to Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC), although the scheme is open to all economically backward girls.
How to Apply
The application process is both online and offline, ensuring accessibility:
Schools help in verifying and uploading student data to the state education portal.
Applicants or guardians submit necessary documents including Aadhaar, bank details, income certificate, and school ID.
Once approved, funds are transferred directly via DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer).
Impact on Education and Society
Improved Enrollment and Retention
Since the implementation of Namo Lakshmi Yojana, Gujarat has recorded a noticeable increase in the enrollment of girls in secondary and higher secondary education. According to recent education department data:
Enrollment in Class 9 rose by 17% over the previous academic year.
Dropout rates between Classes 8 to 10 dropped from 25% to 10% in some districts.
Class 12 completion rates among girls rose significantly, especially in tribal regions.
Financial Empowerment of Families
For many low-income families, educating daughters has historically taken a back seat due to financial burdens. The scheme not only reduces this pressure but also sends a powerful message that educating girls is a priority. Families now see girls’ education as a long-term investment, especially when linked to assured financial support.
Cultural Shift in Rural and Tribal Areas
Traditionally, some communities in Gujarat discouraged girls’ secondary education due to early marriage or household responsibilities. With the introduction of financial incentives:
There’s a positive cultural shift where families encourage daughters to continue schooling.
Girls gain more decision-making power regarding their education.
Awareness campaigns associated with the scheme have reduced gender bias in education.
Success Stories from the Field
Sapna from Dahod: First to Reach Class 12
Sapna, a tribal girl from Dahod district, is the first in her family to complete Class 12. Her father, a daily wage laborer, had almost pulled her out of school. With the annual ₹15,000 support from the Namo Lakshmi Yojana, Sapna not only completed her studies but is now preparing for nursing entrance exams.
“This money gave me freedom. I bought textbooks, paid my school fees, and saved for my coaching,” she says with pride.
Ayesha from Surat: From School Dropout to Scholarship Winner
Ayesha, from a low-income Muslim family in Surat, had dropped out after Class 9 due to financial constraints. With encouragement from local educators and support under the scheme, she re-enrolled and is now a scholarship recipient for engineering entrance coaching.
Government’s Future Roadmap
Expansion to Higher Education
There are discussions within the Gujarat government to expand the scheme to include first-year college girls, especially those pursuing STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) courses. A pilot program is being considered for polytechnic and nursing courses.
Strengthening Monitoring and Transparency
To ensure continued impact and accountability:
The education department has implemented a real-time tracking dashboard.
Schools are required to submit quarterly attendance and performance data.
Independent audits are planned to assess long-term outcomes.
Collaboration with NGOs and CSR Initiatives
The government is collaborating with NGOs working in girl child education and corporate CSR programs to enhance the scheme’s reach. These partnerships will provide mentorship, digital access, and career guidance for beneficiaries.
Challenges Faced and Lessons Learned
Administrative Bottlenecks
Initially, delays in document verification and Aadhaar linkage caused setbacks in fund disbursement. The education department responded by:
Deploying special helplines.
Assigning dedicated officers to rural and tribal regions.
Offering biometric verification in schools for Aadhaar seeding.
Digital Divide
In remote villages, lack of digital infrastructure delayed awareness and access. Mobile vans and village education officers now assist in bridging this gap by spreading awareness and helping with application submissions.
Conclusion
The Namo Lakshmi Yojana is more than just a financial aid program—it’s a transformative social reform targeting the grassroots level of education. By disbursing ₹924 crore to over 10 lakh girl students, the Gujarat government has not only improved educational access but also laid the foundation for a future where girls are equal stakeholders in development.
As the state continues to expand and refine this initiative, it stands as a beacon of what targeted, transparent, and inclusive policy-making can achieve in the realm of education and gender equity.
FAQs
- What is the main objective of the Namo Lakshmi Yojana?
The primary aim is to increase the enrollment and retention of girls in secondary and higher secondary education by providing direct financial support to economically weaker students. - Who is eligible to receive the benefits under the scheme?
Girl students who are residents of Gujarat, enrolled in Classes 9 to 12, and belong to low-income households are eligible. Attendance and academic continuity are also required. - How is the money disbursed to the students?
Funds are transferred directly into the student’s or guardian’s bank account through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system, ensuring transparency and minimal delays. - Has the scheme shown any measurable impact on dropout rates?
Yes, since its implementation, dropout rates have significantly declined across several districts. Many girls who would have otherwise left school due to financial reasons are now continuing their education. - Are there any plans to extend the scheme to college-level education?
Yes, the government is exploring the possibility of extending benefits to girls pursuing higher education, particularly in STEM fields and vocational training programs.