Gandhinagar, Jan 27 (NationPress) The government of Gujarat has declared its intention to extend financial support of Rs 1,250 crore for the academic year 2025-26 under the Namo Laxmi Scheme. This initiative is designed to benefit more than 12 lakh girls pursuing their education in secondary and higher secondary schools.

The objective of this scheme is to eliminate financial barriers that may hinder girls from continuing their education beyond primary schooling, as stated by the State Education Department.

Under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, with the guidance of Education Minister Dr. Praduman Vaja and State Education Minister Rivaba Jadeja, the scheme is set to be effectively implemented.

Eligible participants must be enrolled in schools recognized by the Gujarat Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Board (GSHSEB) or the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE).

Additionally, girls who are recipients of other government scholarships can also take advantage of this initiative, which provides supplementary support.

Under the Namo Laxmi Scheme, students from Classes 9 to 12 will receive a total of Rs 50,000 in financial assistance over a span of four years.

For students in Classes 9 and 10, a total of Rs 20,000 will be disbursed, with Rs 5,000 allocated annually as Rs 500 per month for 10 months, and the remaining Rs 10,000 released upon passing the Class 10 board examinations.

For those in Classes 11 and 12, the financial support amounts to Rs 30,000, with Rs 7,500 provided annually as Rs 750 per month for 10 months in each academic year, and Rs 15,000 granted upon successful completion of the Class 12 board exams.

This scheme not only aims to support girls’ education but also strives to improve adolescent nutrition and health.

The department highlighted that the financial assistance will play a crucial role in ensuring that students receive adequate nourishment alongside their education, thereby contributing to their overall empowerment.

To qualify for this scheme, students must have completed Classes 1 to 8 in government or aided primary schools or have completed Class 8 in a private primary school, while belonging to families with an annual income of Rs six lakh or less.

Students in Class 9 who meet these criteria can access the benefits.

The Education Department pointed out that initiatives initiated in Gujarat under the leadership of former Chief Minister and current Prime Minister Narendra Modi, like Shala Praveshotsav (School Enrollment Festivals) and programs promoting girls' education, have inspired similar initiatives across the nation.