The Gujarat government is taking solid steps in both education and health sectors simultaneously. While on one hand, a new scheme is being introduced to reconnect school dropouts, especially boys, with the mainstream of education, on the other hand, a significant change is also being seen in the perspective of common people and doctors regarding rising obesity and related diseases.
According to a report published in the Times of India, information received from Gandhinagar suggests that the Gujarat government is soon going to start a new assistance scheme for boys from economically weaker families. The objective of this scheme is specifically to reduce the number of students dropping out after Class 8. The proposed scheme has been named Namo Kishore Yojana.
According to government sources, until now most educational assistance schemes in the state have been run primarily keeping girls in mind. Positive results have emerged from the Namo Lakshmi Yojana started to encourage girls’ education. Now, it has been decided to provide similar assistance to boys on this same model.
Benefits will be available on the lines of Namo Lakshmi Yojana
Under the Namo Lakshmi Yojana, female students studying from Class 9 to 12 are given a total financial assistance of Rs 50,000 over four years. In this, an amount of Rs 20,000 is provided for Class 9 and 10, while Rs 30,000 is provided for Class 11 and 12.
Dropout rate increases after Class 8
According to government estimates, the dropout rate of boys after Class 8 has been found to be higher in Gujarat. The main reason for this is that many children start working at a young age to meet the family’s financial needs. Caught between the pressure of studies and employment, they leave school. The purpose of the Namo Kishore Yojana is to deal with this challenge so that boys can complete their education and move towards a better future.
Announcement possible in 2026-27 budget
It is believed that this scheme may be announced in the state budget of the year 2026-27 and it will be implemented from April 1. Under the scheme, a target has been set to benefit approximately 2 lakh such boys every year who have passed Class 10 and whose family’s annual income is less than Rs 6 lakh.
