LUCKNOW, March 8 -- Chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday announced that the Laxmibai Scooty Scheme for meritorious girl students will be launched soon, reviving a promise made in the BJP's 2022 election manifesto with the Uttar Pradesh assembly polls in 2027 less than a year away.

Addressing a programme on International Women's Day, Yogi said the scheme will initially benefit meritorious students in the final year of graduation and postgraduation, with others to be included in phases later.

The state government has earmarked Rs.400 crore in the 2026-27 budget for the scheme, with officials saying committees have been formed to finalise scooter specifications and eligibility criteria.

Speaking at the event, the chief minister said t...