Lucknow, Mar 22 (UNI) Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday said that the government's treasury is the public's money, and the government has no shortage of funds for quality education.
During a review meeting with the officials of the Basic Education Department at his official residence, the CM directed officials to ensure that no school in the state is without teachers, while the focus on quality of education.
Emphasising the need to improve the teacher-student ratio in all aspirational districts and development blocks, he asserted that the government is committed to ensuring quality education for children under all circumstances and to achieve this, the state government is implementing Operation Kayakalp with inter-departmental coordination, focusing on 19 key parameters.
He said, "As part of this initiative, all council schools now have separate toilets for boys and girls, along with essential facilities such as drinking water, well-furnished classrooms, electricity, quality furniture, boundary walls and secure gates."
Yogi said that the state government is constructing CM Model Composite Schools for classes 1 to 12, with funds already released for 26 districts. "Besides, CM Abhyudaya Composite Schools, catering to pre-primary to class 8, are being developed in 58 districts. Both types of schools will feature playgrounds, training centers, and courses in craft, clay art, and new-age skills," he said.
He said, "Under the PM Shri scheme, the state is upgrading 925 government schools in 2023-24 and 785 schools in 2024-25, prioritising their development as integrated campuses."
The CM said that inspired by the Prime Minister's vision, 13 DIETs are being developed as Centers of Excellence in the first phase to serve as resource hubs for inclusive education.
He emphasised proper maintenance, regular cleaning (with outsourced staff if needed) and ensuring good drinking water facilities. "The first impression of DIETs should be outstanding, and institutions like IIM Lucknow and Bengaluru should be integrated into the training modules," he said.
Yogi said that with the inspiration of the Prime Minister 13 DIETs are being developed as Centres of Excellence in the first phase, transforming them into resource hubs for advancing inclusive education.
He highlighted that the impact of comprehensive efforts in education is now evident in the ACER 2024 report, which shows a significant improvement in UP’s education quality. "The state has now entered the top-performing category.
Between 2018 and 2024, education levels in UP have seen remarkable progress. Student attendance in primary schools has risen from 57 percent in 2010 to 71.4 percent in 2024. Girls’ enrollment now surpasses that of boys, reflecting growing educational inclusivity," he said.
The CM said that the midday meal programme has expanded significantly, increasing from 70 percent in 2010 to 95.4 percent in 2024, ensuring better nutrition for students. Additionally, the use of libraries in council schools has surged to 78 percent, fostering a stronger reading culture.
He announced that a 15-day 'School Chalo Abhiyan' will be conducted from April 1 to April 15 and again in July. He urged teachers, village heads, and Gram Panchayat members to create an environment where children experience this campaign as a festival of learning.
He said, "To make it engaging, children should have new and enriching experiences during the initiative. Besides, teachers and principals should conduct door-to-door visits in villages to personally motivate children to attend school."
Yogi directed the officials to organise summer camps lasting one to one and a half hours, focusing on playful and engaging learning to ensure children see education as fun rather than a burden. "These camps will also emphasise physical education. To protect children from the sun and heat, all sessions will be held in the morning," he said.
He said that the arrangements of Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas should be improved further. "Work should be done on the policy of one Kasturba Gandhi school one game. The girls of the school have performed well in sports," he said.
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