“The Uttar Pradesh government’s Rani Laxmi Bai Scooty Yojana provides free scooters to meritorious female students to ease their commute to college, reduce dropout rates, and promote women’s empowerment. With a ₹400 crore budget, the scheme targets rural girls, ensuring safer and accessible higher education. Applications are expected to open soon, with transparent distribution processes.”
Rani Laxmi Bai Scooty Yojana: A Boost for Girls’ Education in UP
The Uttar Pradesh government launched the Rani Laxmi Bai Scooty Yojana in the 2025-26 state budget, allocating ₹400 crore to provide free scooters to meritorious female students pursuing higher education. Announced by Finance Minister Suresh Khanna on February 20, 2025, the scheme aims to address transportation barriers that often lead to dropouts, particularly among girls in rural and remote areas. Named after the iconic freedom fighter, the initiative is designed to empower young women by ensuring safer and more accessible commutes to colleges and universities.
The scheme primarily targets girls who have excelled in their Class 12 board examinations and are enrolled in undergraduate or postgraduate programs. While official guidelines are yet to be released, eligibility is expected to include permanent residency in Uttar Pradesh and a minimum academic threshold, potentially 60-75% marks in higher secondary exams. The Higher Education Department, the nodal agency for the scheme, has formed a six-member committee led by Shipu Giri, director of Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA), to finalize eligibility criteria and the selection process. A separate four-member technical expert committee is tasked with determining the specifications of the scooters, which may be electric or fuel-powered based on logistical arrangements.
The initiative addresses a critical issue in rural Uttar Pradesh, where long distances to educational institutions and lack of reliable public transport often deter girls from continuing their studies. “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 government official stated. The scheme is expected to benefit over one lakh girls in its first phase, with distribution planned through transparent, district-level ceremonies to ensure accountability.
The application process is anticipated to be primarily online, hosted on the Uttar Pradesh Higher Education Department’s official website or a dedicated portal for the scheme. Applicants will likely need to submit documents such as Aadhaar cards, Class 12 mark sheets, income certificates, domicile certificates, and passport-sized photographs. Once applications are verified, selected candidates will receive notifications via SMS and email, with scooters distributed at designated centers after identity verification. While the scheme’s official launch is pending, the government has emphasized a student-friendly and secure process.
Beyond scooters, the Uttar Pradesh government is complementing the initiative with other measures to support female students. The 2025-26 budget also includes plans for the Student Housing Scheme, providing safe and affordable hostels in cities like Prayagraj and Lucknow for girls from rural areas. Additionally, ₹2 crore has been allocated for the Chevening Uttar Pradesh Government Scholarship programme, enabling five outstanding female scholars annually to pursue one-year Master’s degrees in the UK.
The Rani Laxmi Bai Scooty Yojana has garnered positive reactions from students and educators alike. In Jhansi, the scheme’s namesake city, female students expressed enthusiasm, noting that free scooters would alleviate financial burdens and safety concerns. However, some stakeholders have urged swift implementation, citing delays in similar schemes elsewhere, such as Rajasthan’s Kali Bai Bheel Scooty Scheme, where 1,500 scooters remain undistributed due to administrative lapses. The Uttar Pradesh government has assured that measures are in place to avoid such setbacks, with committees actively working to roll out the program efficiently.
The scheme is part of a broader push by the Yogi Adityanath-led government to promote women’s education and empowerment. By reducing transportation costs and safety risks, the initiative aims to lower dropout rates and foster self-reliance among young women. As the state prepares to launch the application process, eligible students are advised to monitor the Higher Education Department’s website for updates on registration and guidelines.
Disclaimer: This article is based on information from reliable sources, including government announcements, news reports from Times of India, Hindustan Times, and other publications, and official statements. All India Press does not guarantee the accuracy of future developments or application processes, as these are subject to change by the Uttar Pradesh government. Readers are encouraged to verify details through official channels.
Tags: Rani Laxmi Bai Scooty Yojana, Uttar Pradesh, free scooters, girls’ education, women empowerment, higher education, Yogi Adityanath, UP budget 2025