Gujarat Atal Swantah Sukhay Yojana

Introduction of Gujarat Atal Swantah Sukhay Yojana: A Brief Insight

Every government office has officers and employees who go beyond their regular duties to find better ways to serve the public. However, their extra efforts often go unnoticed because they are not part of their routine official work. The Atal Swantah Sukhay Yojana (Atal Swantah Sukhay Project) recognises these efforts by rewarding such officers and employees with a certificate of appreciation and a cash award.

The Government of Gujarat originally introduced the Swantah Sukhay Scheme through its resolutions issued in 2005 and 2009. Under the earlier scheme, the Government selected one best project from each district. In February 2025, it expanded the scheme and renamed it to mark the 100th birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The revised scheme came into effect from the financial year 2025-26.

The General Administration Department of the Government of Gujarat implements the scheme through its Administrative Reforms and Training Division. Individual departments also guide their officers and employees in participating in the scheme.

The main objective is to encourage government employees to use their own initiative, time and ideas to solve public problems. The scheme aims to give them satisfaction for their additional efforts and inspire other employees to introduce similar improvements in public services.

Officers and employees belonging to Class 1 to Class 4 can participate in the scheme. Heads of departments and eligible employees of government boards and corporations can also take part. They can register projects individually or as a group at the village, taluka, district, state or Secretariat level.

The Government provides a certificate of appreciation and a cash award to employees whose projects receive the highest recognition. According to the February 2025 resolution, the individual award amounts are ₹6,000 at village level, ₹10,000 at taluka level, ₹30,000 at district level and ₹50,000 at state level. The award amount goes up to ₹1,00,000 at the Secretariat level.

To qualify for an award, a project must introduce an innovative and practical way to solve a public problem. It should improve the existing method of working by saving time, reducing costs or delivering better results. Projects that simply repeat an employee’s routine official duties do not qualify. The evaluation committee at each level examines the projects and awards marks out of 100.

The Government presents the awards on Good Governance Day, 25 December, which marks the birth anniversary of Atal Bihari Vajpayee. Even if an employee retires after completing the project, he or she remains eligible for the award if the committee selects the project.

The Government has made online project registration compulsory. According to reports, the last date for registration in 2026 is 15 November 2026. If the official scheme portal does not open, contact your department to understand the available registration procedure. Reports also indicate that the Government revised the scheme on 23 April 2026, so check the latest guidelines before participating.

Government employees looking for health coverage for their families can also explore the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana. Those interested in affordable life and accident insurance can read about the PM Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana and the PM Suraksha Bima Yojana.

Employees who want to reduce their household electricity expenses can also explore the Surya Urja Rooftop Yojana, which provides support for installing rooftop solar systems.

Government employees, officers, department heads and readers interested in administration, public welfare and other government initiatives can explore more programmes on our Welfare Schemes of the Gujarat Government page.

Benefits Provided to Eligible Beneficiaries

Government officers and employees often take extra initiatives to solve public problems beyond their regular duties. However, such efforts may not always receive formal recognition. The Atal Swantah Sukhay Yojana (Atal Swantah Sukhay Project) recognises these efforts by providing certificates of appreciation and cash awards to employees whose innovative projects make a difference in people’s lives.

The General Administration Department of the Government of Gujarat presents the awards on Good Governance Day to encourage more employees to take up public welfare projects and improve government services.

Certificate and Cash Award

• Every selected winner receives a certificate of appreciation along with a cash award.
• The Government presents the awards on Good Governance Day (25 December), which marks the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
• The cash award is given in the winner’s personal name, and the recipient can use the amount as desired.
• Employees who retire after completing their projects remain eligible for the award if the evaluation committee selects their work.

Awards by Level

The number of awards and the cash amount depend on the project category and level. The following details are based on the Government’s February 2025 resolution.

Secretariat Categories

• Category A: Includes the Secretary, Additional Chief Secretary and officers holding equivalent positions.
• Category B: Covers Deputy Secretaries and higher-ranking officers up to the level of Additional Secretary.
• Category C: Includes Section Officers and employees working below that rank.

How the Project Is Judged

The evaluation committee assesses each project out of 100 marks. It considers the project’s innovation, public benefits, financial impact and timely completion.

• Difference from existing Government schemes and programmes: 20 marks.
• Direct benefits to the public: 15 marks.
• Indirect benefits: 10 marks.
• Financial benefits: 15 marks.
• Other benefits: 10 marks.
• Long-term benefits and sustainability: 10 marks.
• Completion within the planned time: 10 marks.
• Completion within the planned budget: 10 marks.

Record of Your Work

• The Sardar Patel Institute of Public Administration (SPIPA) documents selected projects so that other government officers and employees can study and learn from them.
• Winning projects serve as practical examples and encourage other employees to introduce similar improvements in public services.

Good to Know

• The Government can award fewer projects than the prescribed number if the evaluation committee does not find enough projects that meet the required standards.
• If more than one project submitted by the same person wins, the person can receive only one award.
• Reports indicate that the Government revised the scheme on 23 April 2026. Confirm the latest award amounts and rules with your department before participating.

Eligibility Conditions Required to be Fulfilled

The Atal Swantah Sukhay Yojana (Atal Swantah Sukhay Project) allows officers and employees of the Government of Gujarat to undertake innovative projects for public welfare beyond their regular duties. The General Administration Department encourages government employees to take initiatives that improve people’s lives and recognises outstanding projects through awards.

Before registering your project, check the following eligibility conditions to understand who can participate, which projects qualify and what rules you must follow.

Who Can Take Part

• All officers and employees belonging to Class 1 to Class 4 of the Gujarat State Government can participate.
• Heads of departments and officers and employees working in the State’s boards and corporations can also participate.
• You can undertake a project individually or form a group with other colleagues.
• You can choose a project outside your regular area of work, provided it does not interfere with the functioning of the department concerned.
• If you retire after completing your project, you can still receive the award if the evaluation committee selects your project.

Levels of the Projects

• Village Level: Employees working at the village level, such as primary teachers and talatis, can undertake projects covering one village.
• Taluka Level: Non-gazetted employees, such as police sub-inspectors and circle officers, can undertake projects covering two or more villages within a single taluka.
• District Level: Officers and employees working across multiple talukas, such as Prant Officers and District Agriculture Officers, can participate. Class 1 and Class 2 district-level officers are also covered.
• State Level: Heads of departments, All India Services officers and Class 1 and Class 2 officers working outside the Secretariat can undertake projects covering more than one district.
• Secretariat Level: Officers and employees working in the Gujarat Secretariat can participate in three separate groups based on their rank.

Conditions for the Project

• The project must be innovative. It should introduce a new or better way of solving a problem rather than simply repeat routine departmental work.
• The project must serve the public interest and encourage cooperation between citizens and the Government.
• It should deliver better results in less time or at a lower cost compared with the existing method.
• The project must be completed within the deadline prescribed by the Government for that year. Reports indicate that the current completion deadline is 31 August.
• You can register multiple projects. However, if more than one of your projects wins an award, you can receive only one award.
• Boards and corporations can introduce similar schemes according to their functions, but the number and amount of awards cannot exceed those under the State Government’s scheme.

Who Is Not Eligible

• Individuals who are not officers or employees of the Gujarat Government or its eligible boards and corporations.
• Projects that only repeat routine official duties without introducing any new approach or improvement.
• Projects that remain incomplete after the prescribed deadline.
• Projects that were not registered with the evaluation committee at the appropriate level.
• Applicants who have already received another award under this scheme in the same year.

Check Before You Apply

• The Government has made online project registration compulsory. According to reports, the registration deadline for 2026 is 15 November 2026.
• If you registered your project offline in an earlier year, you must register it again through the scheme portal.
• If the online portal is unavailable, contact your department and confirm the alternative submission procedure before the deadline.
• Reports indicate that the Government revised the scheme on 23 April 2026. Ask your department to confirm the latest applicable guidelines before registering.
• Keep both the project registration and nomination forms ready. Also, maintain photographs, reports, expenditure details and other project records from the beginning.

Documents Required to be Attached

The Atal Swantah Sukhay Yojana (Atal Swantah Sukhay Project) recognises officers and employees who independently undertake innovative projects for public welfare beyond their regular duties. Under this scheme, government employees do not apply for personal benefits. Instead, they register their projects and nominate them for evaluation after completion.

The Government’s resolution prescribes two forms for this process, along with supporting project records. Keep the following information and documents ready before submitting your project.

• Project Registration Form (Annexure 3): Submit this form to the evaluation committee at the appropriate level when you start your project. It requires the following details:
  • Your name and designation, whether gazetted or non-gazetted, and the names of all team members if you are working in a group.
  • Your residential address and contact number.
  • Name of your office and the head of your department.
  • A brief description of the proposed project.
  • The main idea behind the project.
  • The date on which you started the project or plan to begin it.
  • The expected date of project completion.
  • Details of any other projects you have already registered.
• Project Nomination Form (Annexure 4): Submit this form to the same evaluation committee after completing your project. You must provide the following information:
  • Your name, designation, address, contact number and email address, along with the names of all team members in case of a group project.
  • Details of the type of project you have completed.
  • The project category, marked with a star for district, state and Secretariat-level projects.
  • Actual project start and completion dates.
  • Total expenditure incurred on the project.
  • Sources of project funding, such as an ongoing Government scheme, public contributions, MLA or MP funds, Central Government schemes, NGOs, Government agencies, boards, corporations or other sources. Mention the planned amount and the actual amount received from each source.
  • Short-term and long-term benefits of the project for the public and other beneficiaries.
  • Other outcomes or effects of the project.
  • Any additional information or special remarks you want to include.
• Project Records: Maintain supporting evidence from the beginning of the project. Keep records such as before-and-after data, photographs, progress reports, bills and other documents that help the evaluation committee assess your work.
• Proof of Project Completion: Keep evidence confirming that you completed the project within the deadline prescribed by the Government for that year.
• Gujarati Soft Copy: Prepare the registration and nomination documents in Gujarati using the Shruti font. The Government also requires you to submit their soft copies.

How Beneficiaries Can Apply to Avail the Benefit of the Scheme

Under the Atal Swantah Sukhay Yojana (Atal Swantah Sukhay Project), government employees do not apply for financial assistance. Instead, they identify a public problem, develop an innovative solution, register their project and complete the planned work. After completing the project, they nominate it for an award.

The General Administration Department, Government of Gujarat, has made online project registration compulsory. According to reports, the last date for registration in 2026 is 15 November 2026. Follow the steps below to understand the complete registration, project implementation and nomination process.

Before You Start

Step 1: First, check whether you are eligible. You must be an officer or employee belonging to Class 1 to Class 4 of the Government of Gujarat or an eligible board or corporation of the State.

Step 2: Decide whether you want to work on the project individually or with a group of colleagues. If you choose a group project, prepare a list of all participating members.

Step 3: Identify the level of your project. It can fall under the village, taluka, district, state or Secretariat category. This level determines which evaluation committee will examine your project.

Step 4: Read the official guidelines on the Swantah Sukhaya page of the Administrative Reforms and Training Division. You can find the Government resolutions and prescribed project forms on this page.

Step 5: Contact your department and ask which types of projects you can undertake. Departments may provide examples of suitable projects based on their work and responsibilities.

Choose Your Project

Step 1: Identify a problem that affects people in your area or creates difficulties in accessing government services. For example, you can consider long waiting times, poor sanitation in public places or complicated application procedures.

Step 2: Think of a new and practical way to solve the problem. Your idea should make the work easier, reduce expenses or help people receive services in less time.

Step 3: Make sure your idea introduces an improvement instead of simply repeating your regular official duties. The project should provide some additional benefit to the public.

Step 4: Prepare a simple project plan with the activities, estimated expenses and expected results. Make sure you can complete the project within the deadline prescribed by the Government, which reports indicate is 31 August.

Register Your Project Online on the Scheme Portal

Step 1: Visit the official Atal Swantah Sukhay Yojana portal using your mobile phone or computer.

Step 2: Look for the project registration option on the portal. Open it and read the instructions before filling out the form.

Step 3: Enter your personal and official details, including your name, designation, office name, contact information and the names of all team members, if applicable.

Step 4: Write a short description of your proposed project. Explain what you want to do and how your idea will help solve a public problem.

Step 5: Enter the date on which you started the project or plan to begin it. Also, mention the expected completion date.

Step 6: Provide details of any other projects you have already registered under the scheme, if applicable.

Step 7: Check all the information carefully before submitting the form. After successful submission, save the registration acknowledgement or other proof of registration for future reference.

If the Portal Does Not Open

Step 1: If the portal is not working, try opening it again after some time. You can also use another browser, mobile phone or computer to access it.

Step 2: Download or obtain the project registration form prescribed under the Government resolution (Annexure 3). Fill it out with the required details, including your name, designation, project idea and expected completion date.

Step 3: Contact your office head and ask how your department handles project registration when the online portal is unavailable. The Government has instructed the Secretaries of all departments to ensure registration of eligible projects.

Step 4: Submit the completed form to the officer or department representative responsible for handling the scheme. Ask for an acknowledgement or receipt as proof of submission.

Step 5: Request your department to complete the required online registration once the portal becomes available. Follow up and confirm that your project has been registered successfully.

Carry Out the Project and Keep a Record

Step 1: Start working on your project according to the plan you prepared. If you face any difficulty related to departmental rules, permissions or funds, discuss it with your office head.

Step 2: Maintain a record from the first day of the project. Keep photographs, reports, dates and information showing the situation before and after completing the work.

Step 3: Record every expense and mention where the money came from. Funding sources may include an ongoing Government scheme, public contributions or other approved funds.

Step 4: Write down the benefits of your project. Explain how it helps people immediately and how it may continue to benefit them in the future.

Step 5: Prepare the required project documents in Gujarati using the Shruti font. Save them as soft copies because the Government requires the documents in this format.

Send Your Nomination After the Project Is Complete

Step 1: First, make sure that you have completed all the activities included in your project plan. Keep the supporting records, photographs, reports and expenditure details ready.

Step 2: Fill out the project nomination form prescribed under the Government resolution (Annexure 4). Provide your details, project category, starting and completion dates, total expenditure, funding sources and the benefits achieved.

Step 3: If your project belongs to the district, state or Secretariat level, select the appropriate category in the nomination form.

Step 4: Submit your nomination to the evaluation committee responsible for your project level. Follow the submission instructions available on the portal or provided by your department.

Step 5: Save a copy of the completed nomination form and its submission acknowledgement. These records will help you if the committee asks for further information.

What Happens After You Nominate

Step 1: The evaluation committee at the appropriate level examines your project and the documents you submitted. It may contact you if it needs additional information or clarification.

Step 2: The committee evaluates your work and awards marks out of 100. It considers innovation, public benefits, financial impact, long-term results and timely completion.

Step 3: The committee selects the projects that meet the required standards. The Government may announce fewer winners than the prescribed number if it does not find enough suitable projects.

Step 4: If your project is selected, you receive a certificate of appreciation and a cash award. The Government presents these awards on Good Governance Day, 25 December.

Step 5: The Sardar Patel Institute of Public Administration (SPIPA) documents the selected projects so that other government officers and employees can learn from your work.

If You Need Help

Step 1: If you have questions about eligibility, project selection or registration, contact your office head or the nodal officer appointed by your department.

Step 2: If your office cannot resolve the issue, approach the Secretary of your department and explain the problem.

Step 3: You can also contact the Administrative Reforms and Training Division of the General Administration Department at Sachivalaya, Gandhinagar. For scheme guidelines, forms and updates, visit the official Atal Swantah Sukhay Yojana portal.

Important: Reports indicate that the Government revised the scheme on 23 April 2026. Therefore, confirm the latest eligibility conditions, registration procedure, prescribed forms and applicable deadlines with your department before starting the process. Also, remember that project registration and nomination do not guarantee an award.

Choose the Right Project: Ideas for Atal Swantah Sukhay Yojana

Many government employees want to participate in the Atal Swantah Sukhay Yojana but are unsure about which project to choose. The Government’s resolution provides a sample list of project areas for different departments. However, this list is only indicative. Each department prepares its own list of suitable projects for its employees, so check with your department before selecting a project.

An employee can also undertake a project outside their regular area of work, provided it does not interfere with the functioning of the concerned department. The key is to introduce an innovative way to perform an existing task or solve a public problem, rather than simply taking up a new activity as part of routine official work.

Important Links Available of the Scheme

• Atal Swantah Sukhay Yojana official portal, online project registration and nomination, General Administration Department, Government of Gujarat
• Swantah Sukhaya scheme page, Administrative Reforms and Training Division, General Administration Department, Gujarat

Contact Details in Case of Help Needed

• Department: General Administration Department (Administrative Reforms and Training Division), Government of Gujarat, Sachivalaya, Gandhinagar
• Your Office: The head of your office and the nodal person of your department, who guide the employees of the department
• Your Department: The Secretary of your department, whom the General Administration Department has asked to register the eligible projects
• Boards and Corporations: The head of your board or corporation, which runs its own scheme in line with its work

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Tabassum

Tabassum is a government schemes researcher and writer with 5 years of experience tracking Central and State welfare scheme programmes across India. She has covered 500+ schemes spanning agriculture, women welfare, education, and housing, helping lakhs of beneficiaries understand their entitlements in simple language.