Lucknow, May 8 (UNI) UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday termed 'Operation Sindoor' a reflection of a developed India's strength and said that the nation does not interfere in others' matters unnecessarily, but if anyone threatens its internal security or citizens, the new India strikes back with full force.

Addressing an event during which appointment letters were distributed to 494 assistant teachers and 49 lecturers selected by the UP Public Service Commission, Prayagraj, at Lok Bhawan, the CM, while referring to the action against Pakistan, said: "India does not interfere in others' matters unnecessarily, but if anyone threatens its internal security or citizens, the new India strikes back with full force. India now enters the enemy’s hideouts if needed. The world witnessed this strength on Wednesday and will continue to see it in the future as well."

He also appealed to all newly-appointed teachers to adapt to the changing world. "If we move forward with the times and prepare our youth according to today's needs, we will remain relevant. But if we fall behind, the consequences will not only affect the current generation but also future ones, who may never forgive us. Teachers must become a part of the present mission and lay the strong foundation of a developed India starting from their schools," he said.

Yogi also laid the foundation stone for mini stadiums in 23 government inter colleges, at a total cost of Rs 4.92 crore on the occasion. Principals of five government secondary schools were awarded certificates for setting up Atal Tinkering Labs, while principals of another five government secondary schools received certificates for establishing ICT labs.

He emphasised the importance of innovation, research, and development in the education sector. "Teachers must focus on what changes they can bring to education, which techniques they can use to ensure that youth face no identity crisis and have a clear direction towards a bright future," he said.

The CM encouraged teachers to study new teaching methods and make lessons engaging, suggesting that stories could be a great tool to keep students interested and make classes more lively.

He said that the entire selection process for teachers had been completely fair and transparent. "There was no need for recommendations at any level," he said.

Yogi said the government expected teachers to contribute to raising the standard of secondary education in the same fair and transparent manner. He said that often, people complain until they secure a government job, but once they do, they neglect their responsibilities.

He said, "This was the result of a time when the Secondary Education Council was facing a crisis of survival. Before 2017, secondary education was notorious for cheating and basic education had become almost abandoned."

The CM said, "UP's school education system has undergone fundamental transformation. Innovation and technology are now central to learning and Operation Kayakalp in basic education was even recognised during NITI Aayog discussions."

He said that in the past eight years, over eight lakh youth have been appointed to government jobs, including 40,000 in secondary education. "Recently, more than 8,000 teachers were selected for government inter-colleges, while over 1.23 lakh teachers were recruited in basic education to address long standing shortages," he said.

He said, "These efforts could have been made earlier, but they were not. There was a lack of political will, and education was not seen as a priority by the government. For some people, playing with the future of the state's and country's children has become a personal obsession."

Yogi said that before 2017, some districts had gained a reputation for cheating in secondary education. He shared how schools lacked teachers and had fewer students, yet students from Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, and Jammu and Kashmir would travel there to take exams.

He said, "Upon investigation, it was found that these were proxy exam takers, someone else was appearing for the exam in their place. This practice was completely stopped in board exams through strict measures. As a result, there was significant improvement in exam results. With cheat-free exams, we were able to conduct exams for 56 lakh candidates in just 14 days, setting an example."

He highlighted the success of Project Alankar, which not only improved infrastructure in government institutions but also funded private schools operating with government support. "Today, we have better buildings, well-equipped labs, libraries and smart classrooms. There have been significant improvements," he said.

The CM emphasised the need for providing a good learning environment, along with promoting sports activities. "Sports can play a crucial role in a student's development," he said, announcing the foundation of 23 mini stadiums.

He also highlighted the success of ICT labs under the ICT scheme, which have made schools in secondary education more technology-driven. "If we fall behind in technology, we will be doing an injustice to the current generation. The Secondary Education Council has not only advanced this programme but is also pushing forward the establishment of Atal Tinkering Labs," he said.

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