The Uttar Pradesh government’s Rani Laxmi Bai Scooty Yojana, launched in 2025, aims to boost girls’ education by providing free scooters to meritorious female students. With a ₹400 crore budget, the scheme targets Class 12 toppers enrolled in higher education, addressing transportation barriers, especially in rural areas. Applications will soon open online, ensuring transparency in distribution.
Rani Laxmi Bai Scooty Yojana: A Step Toward Empowering Female Students
The Uttar Pradesh government has rolled out the Rani Laxmi Bai Scooty Yojana, a transformative initiative to support meritorious girl students pursuing higher education. Announced in the 2025-26 state budget by Finance Minister Suresh Khanna on February 20, 2025, the scheme has been allocated ₹400 crore to provide free scooters to eligible female students. Named after the iconic freedom fighter Rani Laxmi Bai, the program seeks to empower young women by addressing transportation challenges that often hinder their education, particularly in rural and remote areas.
Under the scheme, girls who have excelled in their Class 12 board examinations and are enrolled in undergraduate or postgraduate courses are eligible to receive free scooters. The initiative aims to reduce dropout rates among female students, especially in rural regions where long commutes to colleges pose safety and logistical issues. “In rural areas, many girls drop out after school due to long travel distances. The distribution of scooters will help them continue their education,” a state official stated.
The Higher Education Department, tasked with implementing the scheme, has formed a six-member committee led by Shipu Giri, director of Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA), to define eligibility criteria and streamline the selection process. While official guidelines are yet to be released, preliminary requirements include being a permanent resident of Uttar Pradesh, securing at least 75% marks in Class 12, and enrolling in a college for higher studies. Expected documents for application include Aadhaar card, residence proof, Class 12 marksheet, income certificate, and a domicile certificate.
The application process will primarily be online, hosted on the Uttar Pradesh Higher Education Department’s website or a dedicated portal, which is expected to launch soon. Applicants will need to fill in details such as name, address, educational qualifications, and family income, and upload necessary documents. Once verified, selected candidates will receive notifications via SMS and email, and scooters will be distributed through district-level ceremonies to ensure transparency. The first phase aims to distribute over one lakh scooters, with dedicated centers in every district for secure and student-friendly distribution.
The scheme has sparked enthusiasm among students, particularly in areas like Jhansi, where girls have expressed joy over the initiative. However, some concerns have been raised about the scheme’s implementation, drawing lessons from similar programs like Rajasthan’s Kali Bai Bheel Scooty Scheme, where delays led to 1,500 scooters turning to scrap due to disuse. To avoid such pitfalls, the Uttar Pradesh government is emphasizing a transparent and efficient rollout.
The Rani Laxmi Bai Scooty Yojana also aligns with broader efforts to empower women, complementing initiatives like the Chevening Uttar Pradesh Govt Scholarship programme, which supports five scholars annually for Master’s degrees in the UK. By providing free scooters, the scheme not only facilitates access to education but also promotes self-reliance and safety for female students, marking a significant step toward gender equality in education.
Disclaimer: This article is based on information sourced from recent news reports, government announcements, and updates from reliable outlets like The Times of India, Hindustan Times, and Times Now Navbharat. Details regarding the application process and final eligibility criteria are subject to change upon the release of official guidelines by the Uttar Pradesh Higher Education Department. Readers are advised to verify details through official channels.