Campus Times | Lucknow

In a move aimed at encouraging girls’ education and improving their mobility, Yogi Adityanath announced that the Uttar Pradesh government will soon begin distributing free scooters to meritorious girl students under the Lakshmibai Scooty Scheme. The announcement was made at a state-level programme in Lucknow during celebrations marking International Women’s Day.

The Chief Minister said the initiative is intended to support talented young women pursuing higher education while making their daily commute to colleges and universities easier and safer.

First Phase to Benefit Final-Year Students

As per the government’s plan, the first phase of the scheme will cover meritorious girls studying in the final year of undergraduate and postgraduate courses across the state. Authorities indicated that additional categories of students may be included in subsequent phases as the programme expands.

The scheme was one of the key promises in the manifesto of the Bharatiya Janata Party during the 2022 Assembly elections and is now being implemented as part of the state government’s broader focus on promoting women’s empowerment and access to education.

₹400 Crore Allocated for the Programme

To implement the initiative, the state government has earmarked around ₹400 crore in the budget. Officials say the scheme is expected to particularly benefit girls from rural areas and economically weaker sections who often face challenges in commuting to educational institutions.

By addressing transportation issues, the programme aims to encourage more girls to continue higher education and reduce dropout rates.

Focus on Women’s Empowerment

During the event, the Chief Minister also highlighted various state initiatives designed to strengthen women’s participation in education, employment and public life. The government, he said, remains committed to promoting women’s safety, dignity and self-reliance across Uttar Pradesh.

Once implemented, the scooter distribution drive is expected to benefit thousands of meritorious students and provide a significant boost to educational opportunities for young women in the state.