India News : The Uttar Pradesh government has approved the guidelines for the Rani Lakshmibai Scooty Scheme, aimed at promoting higher education and empowering women. The decision was taken at a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Under the scheme, eligible female students will receive free scooters, although the benefit will be available only to those who meet the prescribed eligibility criteria and are selected on merit.
What is the Rani Lakshmibai Scooty Scheme?
The scheme has been launched to encourage higher education among women and make them economically independent. The government believes that many girls, particularly from rural and remote areas, face transportation challenges in reaching colleges and universities, which often leads to them discontinuing their education.
According to Higher Education Minister Yogendra Upadhyay, the scheme aims to:
- Reduce the dropout rate among female students.
- Improve retention in higher education.
- Ensure easier access to colleges and universities.
- Enhance women’s mobility.
- Increase the Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) in higher education.
- Build confidence, independence, and self-reliance among women.
Who is Eligible?
The scheme is open to female students who:
- Are permanent residents of Uttar Pradesh.
- Graduate during the 2025–26 academic session.
- Have completed their undergraduate studies from a state university, private university, or a government, aided, or self-financed college affiliated with a state university.
Will Every Student Get a Free Scooter?
No. The scheme is merit-based.
Only students who figure in the top 5% of the merit list among eligible graduates will be selected to receive a free scooter.
How Will the Scooters Be Purchased?
To ensure transparency, all scooters will be procured through the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) portal.
The government has decided to provide petrol-powered scooters, citing the wider availability of fuel stations and service centres across Uttar Pradesh, particularly in rural areas, making maintenance and operation more convenient.
What Will the Package Include?
Selected beneficiaries will receive:
- A petrol scooter
- Vehicle registration
- Comprehensive insurance
- An ISI-certified helmet
- Four litres of petrol
- Essential accessories
The objective is to ensure that students do not incur any additional initial expenses after receiving the vehicle.
How to Apply?
The Cabinet has so far approved only the scheme’s guidelines. Details regarding the online application process, portal, required documents, application deadline, and distribution schedule will be announced separately by the state government.
Eligible students have been advised to regularly check notifications issued by the Higher Education Department and their respective universities.
Scheme at a Glance
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Rani Lakshmibai Scooty Scheme |
| Beneficiaries | Female students who are permanent residents of Uttar Pradesh |
| Academic Session | 2025–26 |
| Eligibility | Undergraduate graduates |
| Selection Process | Top 5% merit list |
| Scooter Type | Petrol-powered scooter |
| Procurement Mode | Government e-Marketplace (GeM) |
| Package Includes | Scooter, registration, comprehensive insurance, ISI-certified helmet, 4 litres of petrol, and essential accessories |
The Uttar Pradesh government believes that the scheme will strengthen women’s education, safety, mobility, and financial independence. Once the application process and implementation schedule are announced, thousands of eligible students across the state are expected to benefit.
