Saraswati Sadhana Yojana to Socially and Educationally Backward Girls studying in Class 9th is a Gujarat state scheme that gives a free bicycle to girl students from Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBC). The Social Justice and Empowerment Department runs this scheme for girls enrolled in government and grant-in-aid schools across the state.
The scheme is still open for eligible students in 2026. Its main aim is to keep girls in school by solving the daily travel problem. Many girls from poor families stop going to school because of the distance. A free bicycle makes it easier for them to attend classes regularly and finish their secondary education.
Saraswati Sadhana Yojana to Socially and Educationally Backward Girls Studying in Class 9th - Introduction
Saraswati Sadhana Yojana is a helpful welfare scheme for girls from SEBC families in Gujarat. The scheme gives a free bicycle to every eligible girl studying in Class 9. This reduces the money burden on families and helps girls reach school on time every day. Regular attendance in Class 9 is important because it is the base for higher studies.
The scheme was announced with a budget provision of ₹75 crore in the Gujarat Budget 2023-24 to give free bicycles to about 2 lakh girls from Scheduled Castes and developing castes studying in Class 9. The same support continues for SEBC girls under this scheme.
Key Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Saraswati Sadhana Yojana to Socially and Educationally Backward Girls studying in Class 9th |
| Level | State |
| Nodal Department | Social Justice and Empowerment Department |
| Beneficiary | Female students in Class 9 |
| Benefit | Free Bicycle |
| Income Limit | Up to ₹6,00,000 per annum |
| State | Gujarat |
Benefits
Eligible girl students get a free bicycle under this scheme. The bicycle helps them travel to school comfortably and without any cost. This support also reduces the daily money burden on their families.
Eligibility
To get this support, a student needs to meet the following criteria:
- She should be a permanent resident of Gujarat.
- She should be a female student currently studying in Class 9.
- Her school should be a government or grant-in-aid school in Gujarat.
- She should belong to the Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBC).
- Her total family income should be ₹6,00,000 or less per year.
Application Process
Applications are done online through the Digital Gujarat portal. Follow these steps to apply:
STEP 1 - Visit the official Digital Gujarat portal and click on the Register button. Fill in your details like name, mobile number and email to create an account.
STEP 2 - Log in again on the same portal using your registered mobile number or email and password.
STEP 3 - After logging in, click on Request a New Service. Find this scheme in the list and click Continue to Service. Fill in the required details, upload your documents like the income certificate and caste certificate, and click Submit.
For any help, you can check the Contact Us page on the Digital Gujarat portal.
Documents
Keep the following required documents ready before applying:
- Aadhaar Card
- Birth Certificate
- Caste Certificate
- Identity proof
- Income Certificate
- Class 9 mark sheet
References
You can refer to the official Guideline document (Scheme No. 508) on the Mari Yojana portal for additional details. The scheme details are also available on the official Social Justice and Empowerment Department page.
FAQ's
What is the main aim of this scheme?
The goal is to support girls from SEBC backgrounds by providing free bicycles, which helps them attend school regularly and prevents them from dropping out.
Who is eligible to apply for this scheme?
Any female student studying in Class 9 in a government or grant-in-aid school in Gujarat, who belongs to the SEBC category and has a family income of up to ₹6,00,000 per year, is eligible.
What type of benefit does the scheme provide?
Eligible girls receive a free bicycle to improve their mobility and access to secondary education.
Why are bicycles provided to Class 9 girls specifically?
Providing a bicycle helps girls overcome transportation problems that often lead to school absenteeism among students in rural or distant areas.
Is there an income limit for eligibility?
Yes, your family's annual income must be ₹6,00,000 or less to qualify.
Can I apply for the scheme online?
Yes, you can apply easily through the Digital Gujarat portal.
Are male students eligible?
No, this scheme is designed only for female students.
Is a caste certificate mandatory?
Yes, you must submit a valid caste certificate as proof of your SEBC status.
Does this apply to all districts in Gujarat?
Yes, the scheme is applicable to all eligible students across the entire state of Gujarat.
Who should I contact for more help?
You can find contact details by visiting the Digital Gujarat official website.
