Gandhinagar, June 22 (IANS) The number of girl students maintaining at least 80 per cent attendance in Gujarat’s secondary and higher secondary schools has increased by 73 per cent over the past year, while attendance in science stream classrooms has risen by 125 per cent, according to data monitored through the state’s Vidya Samiksha Kendra.

Figures released by the state government on Monday showed that the number of girls in Classes 9 to 12 recording at least 80 per cent attendance rose from 1,71,988 in the 2024-25 academic year to 2,96,495 in 2025-26, an increase of 1,24,507 students.

The data was presented as evidence of the impact of the Namo Lakshmi Scheme, introduced under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel to support students in completing their education up to Class 12 without interruption due to financial difficulties.

The government said student attendance is monitored online through the Vidya Samiksha Kendra.

In addition to the rise in students recording at least 80 per cent attendance, the number of girls achieving full, or 100 per cent, attendance increased by 62,059 over the past year.

The scheme has also coincided with an increase in enrolment among girls in secondary and higher secondary education.

The number of girl students enrolled rose from 13,29,762 in 2024-25 to 13,91,308 in 2025-26, representing an increase of approximately 4.63 per cent.

The highest growth was recorded in Class 12, where enrolment increased by 13.59 per cent, indicating that a greater number of girls are continuing their education at the higher secondary level.

The government said a total of Rs 1,664.06 crore has so far been disbursed to beneficiaries under the Namo Lakshmi Scheme.

Data released alongside the review also pointed to increased attendance and enrolment in science education following the introduction of the Namo Saraswati Vigyan Sadhana Scheme, which was launched to encourage students to pursue studies in the science stream.

According to the Vidya Samiksha Kendra, the number of students recording between 80 per cent and 100 per cent attendance in science classrooms increased from 19,324 in 2024-25 to 43,533 in 2025-26, a rise of nearly 125 per cent.

The government further said that the number of students recording between 81 per cent and 99 per cent attendance in science stream classrooms increased by 24,209 over the year.

Science stream enrolment also rose during the period.

The number of students enrolling in science increased from 2,40,556 in 2024-25 to 2,55,804 in 2025-26, an increase of around 6.34 per cent.

Class 12 science recorded an 11.04 per cent rise in enrolment.

“This reflects growing interest among young people in Gujarat towards science and technology,” officials said.

Financial assistance amounting to Rs 290 crore has so far been provided to beneficiaries under the Namo Saraswati Vigyan Sadhana Scheme.

The government linked the initiatives to a broader emphasis on education.

Citing Prime Minister Modi, it said he has consistently stressed the importance of quality education for national development and has stated that, “Education has the power to make the country successful and transform its destiny.”

Officials noted that during his tenure as Gujarat Chief Minister, PM Modi ntroduced several measures in the education sector and that programmes such as Shala Praveshotsav and Kanya Kelavani Rath Yatra played a significant role in expanding the reach of primary education across the state.

It added that under Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, several education initiatives have been introduced, including the Namo Lakshmi Scheme, Namo Saraswati Vigyan Sadhana Scheme, Chief Minister Gyan Setu Merit Scholarship Scheme and Chief Minister Gyan Sadhana Merit Scholarship Scheme.

–IANS

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