Ahmedabad: The Amdavad Municipal Corporation’s (AMC) School Board has introduced the ‘Bal Gopal Bachat Bank Yojana,’ a scheme aimed at encouraging children aged 5 to 18 from economically weaker sections to develop the habit of saving. The initiative also aims to reduce junk food consumption and support future educational expenses.

The scheme, pre-launched on Thursday, will be implemented on a pilot basis in 25 Gujarati, Hindi, and English medium schools in the Ghatlodiya Assembly constituency, represented by CM Bhupendra Patel. The scheme is expected to benefit approximately 10,590 children, with Rs 12 lakh donated under CSR initiatives led by Deputy Mayor Jatinbhai Patel.

Under the program, teachers will open bank accounts for participating students, and cooperative bank volunteers will collect their savings. Children will receive piggy banks worth Rs 106, funded through CSR contributions. Savings will be deposited into accounts with a 6% interest rate and returned at age 18. Additionally, for the first Rs 100 saved by each child, an Ahmedabad-based IT company will match it with another Rs 100, contributing another Rs 12 lakh to the program.

AMC School Board Chairman Sujay Mehta highlighted the scheme’s goal to foster a culture of saving and reduce unhealthy spending habits. Officials noted that Ashwinbhai Patel’s efforts in Idar have enabled over 21,000 students to save Rs 22 crore, helping at least 50 students afford MBBS education. DeshGujarat