R ARIVANANTHAM
GANDHINAGAR, NOV 28
With an avowed aim to attract the bright girl students towards STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths and Medical) education as it is the key to unlocking the potential of the next generation of scientists and innovators, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendrabhai Patel has introduced Namo Saraswati Vigyan Sadhana Yojana in the 2024-25 budget. To ensure its successful execution, the state government has allocated ₹250 crore in this year’s budget. Notably, the state government has disbursed over ₹28.46 crore fiscal assistance to more than 2.50 lakh students under this scheme this year.
- To ensure Namo Saraswati Vigyan Sadhana Yojana’s successful execution, the state government has allocated ₹250 crore in this year’s budget
- The Namo Saraswati Vigyan Sadhana Yojana is designed to encourage girl students to embrace science education during these pivotal years, guiding them toward promising careers in science and technology
- As Gujarat progresses toward becoming a global hub for sectors such as semiconductors, green energy, and digital sciences, the demand for skilled technical professionals in these fields will continue to grow
- Namo Saraswati Portal Launched for Seamless Scheme Implementation
Brain child of Prime Minister Narendra Modi
Aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Viksit Bharat@2047, the Gujarat government has launched transformative schemes under the 2024-25 Gujarat budget to enhance secondary and higher secondary education. These initiatives aim to equip students with future-ready skills, high-quality education, and promising career prospects during this Amrit Kaal. This scheme motivates students to pursue science education in Classes 11 and 12 by providing a financial aid package of ₹25,000 over two years.
Importance of STEMM education for girls
In today’s increasingly interconnected and technology-driven world, the significance of STEMM education for girls cannot be overstated. As industries continue to evolve and adapt to new technologies, the demand for skilled professionals with a strong foundation in STEMM subjects continues to grow. Moreover, the challenges faced by modern society, ranging from climate change to healthcare advancements, require innovative and multidisciplinary solutions.
STEMM education plays a crucial role in equipping students with the knowledge, skills, and critical thinking abilities necessary to address these challenges and contribute positively to the world around them. Let’s take a look at the reasons why STEM education is essential for students’ future success.
Eligibility criteria for beneficiaries under Namo Saraswati Yojana
Students who obtain 50% or more marks in the Class 10 board examination and enroll in the science stream for higher secondary education at government, grant-in-aid, or self-financed schools recognized by the Gujarat Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Board (GSHSEB) or the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) are eligible for financial assistance under this scheme.
Students who have studied in Classes 9 and 10 in government or grant-in-aid secondary schools in the state, or Students who have studied in one or both of Classes 9 and 10 in recognized self-financed secondary schools, with a family annual income of ₹6 lakh or less.
Financial assistance provided under Namo Saraswati Yojana
Under this scheme, students receive annual financial assistance of ₹10,000 for Class 11 and ₹15,000 for Class 12, totalling ₹25,000 over two years. Of this amount, ₹20,000 is disbursed during the academic years of Classes 11 and 12 at a rate of ₹1,000 per month for 10 months each year. The remaining ₹5,000 is provided upon successful completion of the Class 12 board examination.
‘Namo Saraswati Portal’ for efficient management of this scheme
To ensure the efficient implementation of Namo Saraswati Yojana in Gujarat schools, Namo Saraswati Portal has been introduced. Schools register students enrolled in the science stream of higher secondary education through the Child Tracking System (CTS) portal under Vidya Samiksha Kendra. All details entered in the CTS portal are seamlessly integrated into Namo Saraswati Portal, ensuring streamlined scheme management. Under the scheme, financial assistance is disbursed through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) directly into the bank account of the student’s mother. In cases where the mother is deceased, the amount is transferred to the student’s bank account. Even if the student is benefiting from any other government scholarship scheme, they are still eligible to receive this assistance as an additional benefit under Namo Saraswati Yojana.
As Gujarat progresses toward becoming a global hub for sectors such as semiconductors, green energy, and digital sciences, the demand for skilled technical professionals in these fields will continue to grow. To meet this need, it is crucial to inspire more students, especially girls, to pursue the science stream in Classes 11 and 12. The Namo Saraswati Vigyan Sadhana Yojana is designed to encourage students to embrace science education during these pivotal years, guiding them toward promising careers in science and technology. Through this initiative, the government aims to provide access to high-quality education and create enhanced career opportunities in these dynamic fields, paving the way for a brighter and more prosperous future.
