Girl students maintaining at least 80 per cent attendance in Gujarat's secondary and higher secondary schools rose by 73 per cent over the past academic year, while attendance in science stream classrooms surged by 125 per cent, according to data tracked through the state's Vidya Samiksha Kendra. The figures, released by the Gujarat government on Monday, 22 June, are being attributed to two flagship education schemes introduced under Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel.

Key Developments in Girls' Attendance and Enrolment

According to the Vidya Samiksha Kendra, the number of girls in Classes 9 to 12 recording at least 80 per cent attendance climbed from 1,71,988 in 2024-25 to 2,96,495 in 2025-26 — an addition of 1,24,507 students. The count of girls achieving full, or 100 per cent, attendance increased by a further 62,059 over the same period.

Overall enrolment of girl students in secondary and higher secondary education also grew, rising from 13,29,762 in 2024-25 to 13,91,308 in 2025-26, a gain of approximately 4.63 per cent. The sharpest climb was recorded in Class 12, where enrolment increased by 13.59 per cent, suggesting that more girls are now completing education through the higher secondary level rather than dropping out earlier.

What the Namo Lakshmi Scheme Offers

The state government has linked these gains to the Namo Lakshmi Scheme, designed to provide financial support to students in Classes 9 to 12 so that economic constraints do not force them to discontinue their schooling. A total of ₹1,664.06 crore has so far been disbursed to beneficiaries under the scheme, according to official data. Student attendance under the programme is monitored in real time through the Vidya Samiksha Kendra's online platform.

Science Stream Sees Surge Under Namo Saraswati Scheme

A parallel rise was recorded in science education following the launch of the Namo Saraswati Vigyan Sadhana Scheme, which was introduced to encourage students to opt for the science stream. The number of students recording between 80 per cent and 100 per cent attendance in science classrooms rose from 19,324 in 2024-25 to 43,533 in 2025-26 — a jump of nearly 125 per cent. Within that band, those recording between 81 per cent and 99 per cent attendance increased by 24,209.

Science stream enrolment grew from 2,40,556 to 2,55,804 over the same period, a rise of around 6.34 per cent. Class 12 science alone recorded an 11.04 per cent increase in enrolment. Officials said this 'reflects growing interest among young people in Gujarat towards science and technology.' Financial assistance of ₹290 crore has been disbursed under this scheme so far.

Broader Policy Context

The government placed these results within a wider education policy framework, noting that Prime Minister Narendra Modi — during his tenure as Gujarat Chief Minister — introduced several education-sector measures, including the Shala Praveshotsav and Kanya Kelavani Rath Yatra programmes, which officials credit with expanding primary school access across the state. Modi has consistently emphasised that 'Education has the power to make the country successful and transform its destiny,' according to the government statement.

Under Chief Minister Patel, the state has since added the Namo Lakshmi Scheme, the Namo Saraswati Vigyan Sadhana Scheme, the Chief Minister Gyan Setu Merit Scholarship Scheme, and the Chief Minister Gyan Sadhana Merit Scholarship Scheme to its education portfolio. Whether the attendance and enrolment gains translate into improved learning outcomes and career pathways will be the next measure of these schemes' effectiveness.