“The Uttar Pradesh government has rolled out the Rani Laxmi Bai Scooty Yojana, allocating ₹400 crore to provide free scooters to meritorious female students. Aimed at reducing dropout rates and promoting higher education, the scheme targets girls from rural areas facing transportation challenges. Eligibility criteria and application processes are being finalized to ensure seamless implementation.”
Yogi Govt’s Bold Move: Free Scooties for Meritorious Girls in UP
The Uttar Pradesh government, under Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, has introduced the Rani Laxmi Bai Scooty Yojana, a transformative initiative to empower female students pursuing higher education. Announced in the 2025-26 state budget on February 20, 2025, the scheme has been allocated ₹400 crore to provide free scooters to meritorious girls, particularly those in rural and remote areas where transportation barriers often lead to school dropouts.
The scheme targets female students who have excelled in their Class 12 board examinations and are enrolled in college. By providing free scooters, the government aims to address the challenges of long commutes, which disproportionately affect girls in rural regions. An official from the Higher Education Department stated, “In rural areas, many girls drop out after school due to long travel distances. The distribution of scooters will help them continue their education.”
To ensure effective implementation, a six-member committee, chaired by Shipu Giri, director of Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (RUSA), has been formed to define eligibility criteria and streamline the selection process. The panel includes key academic and administrative figures, such as the director of higher education, Amit Bhardwaj, and professors from prominent institutions. The committee is tasked with finalizing guidelines, including academic performance thresholds and documentation requirements, to ensure transparency and fairness in the selection of beneficiaries.
While the official application process is yet to be launched, sources indicate that eligible students will need to submit documents such as Aadhaar cards, Class 12 mark sheets, income certificates, and domicile certificates. The application is expected to be facilitated through an online portal managed by the Uttar Pradesh Higher Education Department, with dedicated distribution centers planned across districts for transparent and student-friendly scooter distribution.
The scheme has been met with enthusiasm, particularly in regions like Jhansi, where students have expressed joy over the initiative named after the iconic Rani Laxmi Bai. “This will make it so much easier to reach college without worrying about transport costs or safety,” said Anshika Sharma, a Class 11 student from Uttar Pradesh, echoing sentiments shared on social media platforms.
The Yojana is part of a broader push by the Yogi government to promote women’s empowerment and education. Alongside the scooty scheme, the 2025-26 budget includes provisions for constructing hostels named after Ahilyabai Holkar in seven districts to support working women and students. These efforts align with the state’s goal of reducing financial and logistical barriers for women pursuing higher education and professional opportunities.
The initiative also builds on earlier iterations of the Rani Laxmi Bai Scooty Yojana, introduced in 2022, which required students to secure at least 75% marks in their Class 12 exams to qualify. While the 2025 scheme is still in the planning phase, similar academic benchmarks are expected, with potential relaxations for economically disadvantaged students to broaden access.
As the scheme prepares for rollout, the government is working to ensure that the process remains inclusive and efficient. The Higher Education Department is expected to release detailed guidelines soon, with online applications likely to commence in the coming months. This initiative is poised to make a significant impact, enabling thousands of girls to pursue their academic dreams with greater independence and security.
Disclaimer: This article is based on reports and information available from credible sources, including Times of India, Hindustan Times, and other news outlets. The details provided are accurate as of August 4, 2025, and subject to change as official guidelines are released. Readers are advised to verify eligibility and application processes through official government portals.