Rajasthan Padmakshi Puraskar Yojana

Scheme Introduction

• The Padmakshi Puraskar Yojana was initially launched by the BJP-led government in Rajasthan to support and encourage girls' education.
• The main goal of the scheme is to motivate girl students to pursue higher studies by offering financial rewards.
• In 2019, the scheme was renamed to "Indira Priyadarshini Puraskar Yojana" after the Congress government took over.
• Later, in 2024, when the BJP government returned to power, the scheme's original name, "Padmakshi Puraskar Yojana," was restored.
• The scheme is implemented by the Education Department of the Government of Rajasthan.
• Financial awards are now provided to girls who achieve top ranks in their district or at the state level in board examinations.
• Previously, under the Indira Priyadarshini scheme, the rewards were significantly higher :-
  • Class 8 topper :- Rs. 40,000/-
  • Class 9 topper :- Rs. 75,000/-
  • Class 12 topper :- Rs. 1,00,000 along with a scooty.
• From 2025 onwards, the BJP government revised the scheme, reducing the financial benefits and discontinuing the provision of scooters.
• The current reward structure under the revamped Padmakshi Puraskar Yojana is :-
  • Class 8 topper :- Rs. 25,000/-
  • Class 9 topper :- Rs. 50,000/-
  • Class 12 topper :- Rs. 75,000/-
• Only girl students who topped Class 8, Class 10, or Class 12 board exams at the district level are eligible for this award.
• Separate toppers will be selected from each academic stream - Arts, Commerce, Science, and Sanskrit for financial assistance.
• To receive the incentive, the girl student must be enrolled in the next class immediately after passing the board exam.
• The application process for this scheme is handled by the District Education Officer (DEO) of the respective district.
• Each year, the award distribution ceremony takes place on the auspicious occasion of Basant Panchami.
• The other major welfare scheme of the Rajasthan Government for Girl Students are "Kalpana Chawla Scooty Vitran Yojana", "Devnarayan Scooty Distribution and Incentive Scheme" and "Kal Bai Bheel Medhavi Chhatra Scooty Yojana".

Scheme Benefits

• Girl students who secure the top rank in Class 8th will receive a cash award of Rs. 25,000/-.
• Those who top in Class 10th will be awarded Rs. 50,000/-.
• Class 12th topper girls will be granted Rs. 75,000/-.

Eligibility Requirement

• The girl student must be a permanent resident of the state of Rajasthan.
• She should have topped the district in any of the following Rajasthan Board examinations:
  • 8th Class.
  • 10th Class.
  • 12th Class
• Girls who have secured the top position in the state in Class 8 board exams conducted by the Sanskrit Education Department are also considered eligible.
• District toppers from Swami Vivekanand State Model Schools can also avail benefits under the scheme.
• The student must have enrolled in the next level of education.
• The scheme is open to toppers belonging to any of the following categories :-
  • Families of Below Poverty Line (BPL)
  • Scheduled Caste (SC)
  • Scheduled Tribe (ST)
  • Other Backward Classes (OBC)
  • Minority Communities
  • Socially Backward Classes
  • General
  • Persons with Disabilities (PwD)
• The financial reward under the Padmakshi Puraskar Yojana is disbursed separately for each academic stream - Arts, Commerce, Science, and Sanskrit.

Required Documents

• Valid Residence Certificate of Rajasthan.
• Aadhaar card belonging to the girl student applying.
• Identity document of the parent or legal guardian.
• Active bank account details.
• Caste certificate according to the applicant's social group.
• Proof of current enrollment in a recognized school or college.
• Latest passport-sized color photograph.

Steps to Apply

• Girls eligible for the Padmakshi Puraskar Yojana by the Rajasthan Government are not required to submit a separate application form.
• After the academic results are declared, the District Education Officers will compile a list of meritorious girl students who meet the scheme's eligibility criteria.
• This list must be submitted to the Director of the Secondary Education Department by each district before the 15th of August every year.
• Upon proper verification, the finalized list of selected girls for the financial reward will be forwarded by the Director to the Secretary of the Balika Shiksha Foundation.
• The financial incentives under the Padmakshi Puraskar Yojana are ceremoniously distributed on the day of Basant Panchami each year.
• For any queries or support related to the Padmakshi Puraskar Yojana, students or parents can reach out to their local District Education Officer.

Relevant Links

• Rajasthan Padmakshi Puraskar Yojana Guidelines.
• Rajasthan Education Department.
• Balika Shiksha Foundation.

Contact Information

• Balika Shiksha Foundation Contact Number :- 6376248644.
• ShalaDarpan Portal Contact Email :- shaladarpanjpr@gmail.com
• Balika Shiksha Foundation Contact Email :- rajbalikasf@gmail.com