In a significant move to enhance education in Gujarat, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel announced financial assistance of ₹724 crore to more than 1.3 million students. This aid comes through various schemes aimed at supporting students in their educational journey. The initiative showcases a transparent and technology-driven governance approach by the state government.
Under the ‘Namo Lakshmi Yojana’, around 1.08 million girl students received ₹600 crore. This scheme aims to reduce the dropout rate among girls from grades 9 to 12, ensuring they continue their education with adequate nutritional support. The financial aid for grades 9 and 10 is ₹10,000 annually, while for grades 11 and 12, it is ₹15,000 per year.
Additionally, the ‘Namo Saraswati Science Sadhana Yojana’ has benefited approximately 153,000 students, providing them with ₹52 crore. This scheme encourages students to pursue science subjects after passing grade 10, contributing to an increase of 11% in science stream admissions last year.
Furthermore, the Chief Minister’s Merit Scholarship schemes have also been a significant part of this support. The ‘CM Gyan Sadhna Merit Scholarship’ has disbursed over ₹41 crore to 50,000 students, while the ‘CM Gyan Setu Merit Scholarship’ has provided ₹31 crore to 60,000 students. This brings the total financial aid distributed across these four initiatives to over ₹1,118 crore.
The success of these programs is evident, with a 16% increase in girl student enrollment in secondary schools due to the Namo Lakshmi Yojana. The government has adopted a direct benefit transfer (DBT) method, ensuring that students receive the funds directly into their bank accounts, which promotes efficiency and transparency.
During a video conference held in Gandhinagar, Chief Minister Patel, along with Education Minister Dr. Kuber Dindor and State Education Minister Prabhul Pansehariya, facilitated the transfer of funds to students’ accounts. This event highlights the commitment of the Gujarat government to make education accessible and equitable for all.
The Namo Lakshmi Yojana is designed not only to provide financial support but also to empower young women through education. The increase in attendance among girls in higher secondary schools indicates the positive impact of this scheme. The government aims to improve educational outcomes and prepare students for future opportunities, especially in fields like semiconductor technology and green energy, which are expected to require skilled professionals.
With these initiatives, the Gujarat government is taking significant steps towards ensuring that students, especially those from economically weaker sections, have the means to pursue their education without financial constraints. The emphasis on science and technology education is a strategic move to develop a skilled workforce that can contribute to the state’s and the nation’s growth.
Overall, the financial assistance package reflects the state’s dedication to fostering a better educational environment, encouraging more students to stay in school, and supporting them in achieving their academic goals. The ongoing efforts to promote education through such schemes will have a lasting impact on the future of the students in Gujarat.
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