“Uttar Pradesh’s new incentive scheme aims to enhance girl education by offering financial aid and scholarships to students from disadvantaged backgrounds. Targeting secondary and higher education, the initiative seeks to reduce dropout rates and promote gender equality. With a focus on rural areas, the scheme provides cash rewards and support to empower girls academically and socially.”
Uttar Pradesh Unveils Incentive Scheme to Empower Girls Through Education
In a significant step toward promoting gender equality and education, the Uttar Pradesh government has introduced a new incentive scheme to support girl education across the state. Launched in August 2025, the initiative targets girls from economically weaker sections, particularly in rural areas, to ensure they continue their education beyond primary levels and reduce dropout rates.
The scheme offers financial assistance to girls enrolled in secondary and higher secondary schools. Eligible students receive a one-time cash incentive of ₹5,000 upon enrolling in Class 9, with an additional ₹7,500 when they progress to Class 11. For girls pursuing higher education, the state provides scholarships of up to ₹25,000 per annum for undergraduate courses in fields like science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The initiative also includes provisions for free textbooks, uniforms, and transportation assistance for students in remote areas.
A key feature of the scheme is its focus on marginalized communities, including Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC). Girls from these groups who pass Class 8 and enroll in government or government-aided schools are prioritized. The scheme also aims to curb early marriages by linking financial incentives to continued education, requiring girls to remain enrolled and unmarried until they complete Class 10 to access the funds.
The Uttar Pradesh government has allocated ₹500 crore for the scheme’s initial phase, with plans to expand coverage based on its success. District-level authorities will monitor implementation, ensuring funds are disbursed directly to beneficiaries’ bank accounts via the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system. Schools are required to submit verified proposals to the state education department, with a technical support group overseeing fund utilization and progress reports.
Data from the Unified District Information System for Education (U-DISE) 2023-24 highlights the need for such initiatives. While Uttar Pradesh has achieved a Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) of 89.7% at the upper primary level, the secondary level drops to 77.4%, with girls constituting a significant portion of dropouts due to financial constraints and social barriers. The state aims to increase female retention rates by 10% within the next three years through this scheme.
To address awareness gaps, the government has launched campaigns in rural areas to educate families about the benefits of the scheme. Anganwadi workers and local NGOs are collaborating to identify eligible girls and assist with applications. The initiative also integrates with existing central schemes like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, amplifying its reach and impact.
Critics, however, point out potential challenges. Delays in fund disbursal and lack of awareness in remote regions could hinder effectiveness, as seen in similar schemes like the National Scheme of Incentives to Girls for Secondary Education (NSIGSE). Experts suggest robust monitoring and community engagement to ensure the scheme reaches its intended beneficiaries.
The Uttar Pradesh government remains optimistic, with officials stating that the scheme aligns with the state’s broader vision of empowering women through education. By addressing financial and social barriers, the initiative aims to create a ripple effect, fostering a generation of educated women who can contribute to the state’s socio-economic development.
Disclaimer: This article is based on recent reports and official statements from the Uttar Pradesh government and educational authorities. Data is sourced from U-DISE 2023-24 and web references. For the latest updates, refer to official government portals.