Gujarat’s Namo Lakshmi Yojana has supported over 10.83 lakh girls with ₹924 crore in aid, boosting school enrollment and reducing dropout rates.
In a heartening and progressive move to uplift the lives of young girls across Gujarat, the state government has launched a game-changing initiative—the Namo Lakshmi Yojana. Introduced in 2024, the scheme aims to remove economic barriers that hinder girls from completing their education. In just one year, it has already impacted over 10.83 lakh girl students and disbursed a staggering ₹924 crore in financial aid.
But beyond the impressive figures lies a more powerful narrative—one filled with dreams, resilience, and transformation. The scheme specifically targets girls from families with an annual income below ₹6 lakh, many of whom struggle to afford the rising costs of secondary education. Through the Namo Lakshmi Yojana, each eligible girl receives ₹50,000 over a four-year period to support her education from Classes 9 to 12.
For thousands of families across the state, this initiative is more than just financial support—it’s a lifeline and a symbol of hope.
Take 16-year-old Akshara Diwan from Mehsana, for instance. A bright and determined Class 11 student, Akshara dreams of joining the police force. Her journey hasn’t been easy—her family of five survives on a modest income, and for years, even basic school supplies were a luxury. “This aid helps me buy textbooks, notebooks, and even a proper schoolbag,” she says with a smile. “Now, my parents don’t have to worry. I can focus on my studies and on chasing my dream.”
Akshara’s story is echoed by thousands of girls across Gujarat—from remote tribal villages to bustling urban neighborhoods—who are now getting the opportunity to pursue their education without fear of being forced to drop out due to financial hardship. In just one year since the scheme’s rollout, Gujarat has seen a remarkable 16% jump in girl student enrollment in secondary schools. This isn’t just a statistic—it’s a sign of social change taking root.
Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, while reviewing the initiative, emphasized the deep impact education has on shaping the future of not just individuals, but entire communities. “When we empower our daughters through education, we strengthen the very foundation of our society,” he said. “The Namo Lakshmi Yojana reflects our commitment to ensuring that every girl, regardless of her background, has a fair shot at a bright future.”
This commitment is echoed by the state’s education department. Mukesh Kumar, Principal Secretary of Education, described the program as “much more than a financial scheme.” “It’s about instilling belief. It’s about telling every girl—your dreams matter, and we’re here to support them,” he said.
The scheme has also brought emotional and financial relief to families who have long struggled to balance their aspirations for their daughters with the harsh realities of daily survival. Shailesh Prajapati, a potter and father of two daughters, calls the scheme “a blessing.” “We always wanted our daughters to study and stand on their own feet,” he shared. “But affording books, uniforms, and school fees was difficult. This scheme has given us new hope—it’s helping us dream bigger for our children.”
At its core, the Namo Lakshmi Yojana is about more than education—it’s about empowerment. It’s about breaking the cycle of poverty, dismantling long-standing gender barriers, and creating a support system where girls can thrive—academically, emotionally, and socially.
The Gujarat government envisions this initiative as a model for the rest of the country. “This is just the beginning,” said Chief Minister Patel. “We are working towards making Gujarat a state where every girl can access quality education and live a life of dignity and opportunity.”
As the scheme continues to evolve and reach more girls, one thing is clear: Namo Lakshmi Yojana is not just changing report cards—it’s changing lives. And in doing so, it’s laying the foundation for a more equitable and empowered future, one girl at a time.
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