Lucknow: The Government of Uttar Pradesh has announced that the statewide ‘School Chalo Abhiyan 2026’ will begin from April 1, aiming to bring every child into the formal education system for the academic session 2026–27.
Sandeep Singh, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Basic Education, said the initiative under the leadership of Yogi Adityanath focuses particularly on identifying and enrolling dropout and out-of-school children, ensuring that no child is left out of the education system.
The state’s Chief Secretary S. P. Goyal has issued instructions to all District Magistrates to ensure that every child in the 6–14 age group receives free and compulsory education. The campaign will run in two phases — April 1 to April 15 and July 1 to July 15, 2026, with special enrollment drives during these periods.
Officials have also been directed to ensure 100 percent enrollment of children aged three in Anganwadi or Balvatika and six-year-olds in Class 1. Additionally, authorities will identify children between 7 and 14 years who are currently out of school and ensure their admission.
The campaign will focus on ensuring smooth academic transition at key stages, including Anganwadi to Class 1, Class 5 to Class 6, Class 8 to Class 9, and Class 10 to Class 11, so that students continue their education without interruption.
Chief Secretary Goyal instructed districts to prepare detailed action plans through meetings chaired by District Magistrates. Education officials, including District Inspectors of Schools and Basic Education Officers, will guide school principals and teachers to implement the campaign effectively.
To ensure widespread participation, the campaign will be promoted through newspapers, local media, social media, posters, rallies, morning marches, and cultural programmes. Public representatives such as MPs, MLAs, district panchayat members, block chiefs, village heads, school management committees and voluntary organisations will also be involved.
Special attention will be given to girls’ education, children with disabilities and those from disadvantaged communities. Efforts will be made to enrol girls who remain out of school due to social or household reasons and to facilitate their admission in **Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya where necessary.
Parth Sarathi Sen Sharma, Additional Chief Secretary for Basic and Secondary Education, said the campaign will be implemented with stronger coordination among departments including education, health, child development and panchayati raj. He also stressed that no child should be denied admission due to lack of documents.
Schools across the state have also been instructed to welcome students enthusiastically at the start of the new academic session and maintain clean and attractive campuses to encourage enrollment and retention.
The campaign reflects the state government’s commitment to ensuring universal access to education and strengthening the foundation of learning for every child in Uttar Pradesh.
