Gujarat’s Mukhyamantri Saksham Yojana, launched on June 8, 2025, provides financial aid, skill training, and educational support to disabled students. Offering scholarships, assistive devices, and vocational courses, the scheme aims to foster inclusivity and self-reliance. With a budget of ₹500 crore, it targets over 50,000 students, ensuring equal opportunities in education and employment.
Gujarat Launches Ambitious Scheme to Uplift Disabled Students
On June 8, 2025, the Gujarat government rolled out the Mukhyamantri Saksham Yojana, a transformative initiative aimed at empowering students with disabilities across the state. The scheme, launched by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel in Ahmedabad, seeks to bridge gaps in education, skill development, and employment for disabled students, ensuring they lead dignified and self-reliant lives.
The initiative allocates ₹500 crore in its first phase to support over 50,000 students with disabilities, ranging from school to higher education levels. Eligible students will receive scholarships of up to ₹50,000 annually, tailored to their educational needs. The scheme also provides free assistive devices, such as hearing aids, wheelchairs, and Braille kits, to enhance accessibility.
A key component of the Mukhyamantri Saksham Yojana is its focus on vocational training. The government has partnered with 150 skill development centers to offer courses in fields like IT, hospitality, and handicrafts, customized for students with visual, hearing, locomotor, and intellectual disabilities. These programs aim to equip beneficiaries with market-relevant skills, boosting their employability. Over 10,000 students have already enrolled in these courses, with placements facilitated through tie-ups with private companies.
The scheme also introduces dedicated counseling services to guide students and their families on educational and career pathways. Special education centers will be established in 50 districts, offering tailored curricula and trained educators. Additionally, the state has mandated that all government-run educational institutions upgrade their infrastructure to be disability-friendly, with ramps, accessible restrooms, and digital learning tools.
Chief Minister Patel emphasized the scheme’s vision of inclusivity, stating that it aligns with the state’s commitment to the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016. The initiative also includes a digital portal for seamless application and tracking of benefits, ensuring transparency. Early reports indicate that over 20,000 applications were received within the first week of the launch.
To ensure effective implementation, the government has formed a monitoring committee comprising disability rights experts, educators, and officials. The committee will conduct quarterly reviews to assess the scheme’s impact and address challenges. Plans are also underway to integrate the scheme with national programs like the PM Yasasvi Scholarship to maximize benefits for students.
The Mukhyamantri Saksham Yojana has been lauded by disability rights activists, who see it as a step toward dismantling systemic barriers. However, some experts have called for greater awareness campaigns in rural areas to ensure the scheme reaches marginalized communities. The government has responded by announcing mobile outreach units to assist with registrations in remote regions.
Disclaimer: This article is based on information gathered from government announcements, official statements, and reports circulating on June 8, 2025. Details are subject to change as the scheme progresses. Readers are advised to verify eligibility and application processes through official government portals.