Namo Lakshmi, Saraswati Schemes Transform Gujarat Education

GANDHINAGAR : Gujarat’s flagship education initiatives, Namo Lakshmi Yojana and Namo Saraswati Vigyan Sadhana Yojana, have delivered remarkable results, significantly improving student attendance and enrolment across the state. Data monitored through the Vidya Samiksha Kendra shows a sharp rise in the number of girls regularly attending higher secondary schools and an increasing interest among students in science education.

Implemented under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, the Namo Lakshmi Yojana has emerged as a major success in encouraging girls to continue their studies beyond primary education. According to official data, the number of girls in Classes 9 to 12 maintaining at least 80% attendance rose from 1.71 lakh in 2024-25 to 2.96 lakh in 2025-26, marking an impressive 73% increase within a year.

The scheme has also positively influenced enrolment. The number of girls enrolled in secondary and higher secondary education increased from 13.29 lakh to 13.91 lakh during the same period, with Class 12 witnessing the highest growth of 13.59%. More than ₹1,664 crore has been disbursed to beneficiaries under the scheme so far.

Running alongside it, the Namo Saraswati Vigyan Sadhana Yojana has strengthened science education in Gujarat. The number of students recording 80% to 100% attendance in science classes jumped from 19,324 to 43,533, a rise of nearly 125% over the previous year. Science stream enrolment also grew by 6.34%, reaching 2.55 lakh students in 2025-26, while admissions in Class 12 science increased by 11.04%.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has consistently highlighted education as the foundation of a developed India, stating that “education has the power to shape Bharat’s future and transform its destiny.” Building on that vision, the Gujarat government has launched several student-centric schemes aimed at removing financial barriers and improving educational outcomes.

Officials said the twin schemes are helping ensure that more girls complete their schooling while encouraging students to pursue careers in science and technology. Together, they are contributing to Gujarat’s goal of creating a skilled, educated workforce aligned with the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047 and an Atmanirbhar Bharat.