In a significant push for women’s empowerment ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections, the Uttar Pradesh Cabinet on Tuesday approved a proposal to provide free scooters to meritorious undergraduate girl students pursuing higher education in the state. The decision was taken at a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath. Higher Education Minister Yogendra Upadhyay said that around 50,000 girl students are expected to benefit from the ‘Rani Lakshmibai Scooty Yojana’ in the current year.
The minister said the scheme is aimed at encouraging girls to continue higher education while addressing mobility challenges. Eligible beneficiaries will include students from state universities, private universities, government colleges affiliated to state universities, aided colleges and self-financed institutions.
Under the scheme, the benefit will be extended on merit to the top five per cent of undergraduate girl students who passed in the 2025–26 academic session from each institution. The annual family income of beneficiaries must be below Rs 12 lakh, and obtaining a valid driving licence will be mandatory.
However, Upadhyay added that girls from families of martyrs, destitute households and those with disabilities will be eligible for free scooters without the merit condition.
The state government will bear the cost of registration and vehicle insurance. Each beneficiary will also receive a helmet, essential accessories and five litres of petrol along with the scooter.
Responding to a query, the minister said petrol-powered scooters have been chosen due to the wider availability of fuel stations and servicing facilities across the state. The vehicles will be procured through a selection process based on proposals invited via a dedicated portal.
The scheme is expected to ease transportation barriers faced by female students, promote higher education participation and strengthen women’s independence by ensuring safe and convenient mobility.
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