CM distributes scholarships worth ₹354 crore through DBT under the Namo Lakshmi–Namo Saraswati Vigyan Sadhana Yojana.

• Under the leadership of the Prime Minister, major reforms have taken place in the country’s education sector over the past 11 years

• Effective implementation of various schemes has resulted in a 6–7 per cent increase in the number of girls studying in schools 

CM inspires students to focus more on studies by limiting the use of social media

A visionary initiative to develop entrepreneurial interest among students by providing grants of up to ₹20,000 at the school level under SSIP:- Education Minister Dr Pradyuman Vaja

Students under SSIP 2.0, Namo Lakshmi, Namo Saraswati Vigyan Sadhana, Mukhyamantri Gyan Sadhana Merit and Mukhyamantri Gyan Setu Merit Scholarship Yojana were encouraged at Vidya Samiksha Kendra 

Gandhinagar, March 2026: To make education inclusive and quality-driven, the State Government organised a grand scholarship distribution ceremony at Vidya Samiksha Kendra, Gandhinagar, under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel and in the presence of Education Minister Dr Pradyuman Vaja.

During the event, scholarships worth ₹354 crore were transferred through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) by the Chief Minister and dignitaries to the accounts of more than 13.96 lakh students under the SSIP 2.0, Namo Lakshmi, Namo Saraswati Vigyan Sadhana, Mukhyamantri Gyan Sadhana Merit, and Mukhyamantri Gyan Setu Merit Scholarship Yojana.

Inspired by Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel and to promote higher education among girls and encourage students towards the science stream, the Namo Lakshmi and Namo Saraswati Vigyan Sadhana Yojana have been launched.

Thus far, the State Government has assisted worth ₹1,871.78 crore to 27.61 lakh students under these schemes.

On this occasion, Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel stated that when Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi assumed leadership of Gujarat in 2001, he launched Kanya Kelavani Mahotsav and Shala Praveshotsav and personally visited villages to promote girls’ education. Earlier, Gujarat’s dropout ratio was between 34 and 38 per cent, which has now reduced to only 2 per cent. Today, schools across the state have world-class facilities such as smart classrooms and digital laboratories under the ‘Mission School of Excellence’, ensuring quality education.

CM added that the State Government is moving forward to realise the vision of a Shikshit Rashtra, envisioned by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. Under the Prime Minister’s leadership, significant transformation has taken place in the country’s education sector over the past 11 years.

Speaking about women’s empowerment, the Chief Minister said that the State Government has ensured that the education for girls continues without financial barriers through schemes such as Namo Lakshmi and Namo Saraswati. As a result, the number of girls studying in schools has increased by 6–7 per cent.

CM said that Gujarat has ranked first in Startup Rankings for five consecutive years and that the State Government is providing students with opportunities for innovation from their school years.

CM also distributed incentive assistance cheques for innovative student projects under SSIP 2.0. Assistance worth ₹69.69 lakh was provided to 735 young students.

Encouraging students CM advised them to limit the use of social media during student life and focus more on studies.

Education Minister Dr Pradyuman Vaja stated that the transfer of more than ₹354 crore through Direct Benefit Transfer to over 13 lakh students under various schemes reflects the government’s transparent governance.

The Minister said that by providing equal and quality education, Gujarat has become a strong contributor towards realising the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047. He added that startups promote entrepreneurship, and more than 1,400 students have begun their startup journeys based on 735 selected innovation ideas. Gujarat is also providing grants of up to ₹20,000 at the school level to encourage entrepreneurial thinking among students from an early stage.

Dr Vaja further said that over the past two years, enrollment of girl students has significantly increased under the Namo Lakshmi and Namo Saraswati Vigyan Sadhana schemes, showing their success. Considering this achievement, the government has made a budget provision of ₹1,500 crore for both schemes in the coming year.

He added that under the guidance of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Bhupendra Patel, Gujarat has witnessed a revolution in the education sector, where education supports the realisation of students’ dreams.

Through Mission School of Excellence and several result-oriented schemes, qualitative improvements are taking place in education and in the lives of lakhs of students. To maintain educational quality, approximately 12,708 teachers in primary schools and 9,400 teachers in secondary schools were recruited last year, he added.

The Minister further said that under the leadership of the Chief Minister, the Gujarat Government has brought the startup ecosystem directly into classrooms, which is a matter of pride for the new generation. He extended his best wishes to all students.

Principal  Secretary of the Primary and Secondary Education Department, Shri Milind Torawane, in his welcome address, stated that under the leadership of the Chief Minister and guided by Education Minister, the Education Department is shaping students through education, innovation, and merit to become responsible future citizens. The objective of these schemes is to enable students to contribute to nation-building through innovation and quality education in line with the vision of ‘Viksit Bharat’ and ‘Viksit Gujarat’ @2047.

At the conclusion of the event, Director of the Commissionerate of Schools, Shri Rachit Raj, delivered the vote of thanks.

Under SSIP 2.0, several students shared their experiences and views about their innovative projects.

On this occasion, the Mayor of Gandhinagar, Smt. Mira Patel, Gandhinagar North MLA Smt. Rita Patel, State Project Director of Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan, Shri Ranjeeth Kumar, senior officials of the Education Department, and a large number of students attended the event in person and virtually.  

Source: Information Department, Gujarat