Lucknow: In a major push to strengthen school education, the Uttar Pradesh government has rolled out the School Chalo Abhiyan in mission mode, aiming to ensure that no child between the ages of 6 and 14 remains out of school. A special statewide drive will be conducted from May 1 to identify and enrol out-of-school and dropout children, particularly those living in slums, labour colonies, and brick kiln areas.
The initiative reflects the government’s focus not only on enrolment but also on ensuring that children continue their education within the school system.
Special Focus on Marginalised and Dropout Children
Under the campaign, authorities will conduct extensive outreach to locate children who have either never enrolled or dropped out of school. Special emphasis will be placed on:
- Children from migrant and labour families
- Those living in informal settlements and brick kilns
- Children with disabilities, with support from special educators
- Dropout girls, who will be prioritised for admission in Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas
Government Aims to Turn Campaign into Mass Movement
Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Basic Education Sandeep Singh said the government’s goal is to transform the campaign into a mass movement.
“Our priority is not just enrolment, but ensuring that every child receives quality education. We want to connect every child to the education system and make it inclusive for all sections of society,” he said.
He added that improving retention, increasing transition rates between classes, and ensuring girls’ education remain top priorities.
Administrative Push and Monitoring Mechanism
Additional Chief Secretary for Basic and Secondary Education Parth Sarathi Sen Sharma has issued directions to all divisional commissioners and district magistrates to ensure 100% enrolment.
The first phase of the campaign (April 1–15) focused on:
- Enrolling 3-year-olds in Anganwadi/Bal Vatika
- Admitting 6-year-olds into Class 1
- Identifying dropout children aged 7–14
The second phase will intensify efforts to reach unreached children and bring them into the education system. Authorities have also been instructed to ensure 100% transition rates from:
- Class 5 to 6
- Class 8 to 9
- Class 10 to 11
Additionally, under the Right to Education (RTE) Act, officials have been directed to ensure full admission of children selected through lottery in private schools.
Strengthening School Infrastructure
To support the campaign, the government is simultaneously enhancing school infrastructure through Operation Kayakalp and Project Alankar. Schools are being upgraded based on 19 infrastructure standards, with gaps being identified and addressed through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and other resources.
All schools are also being onboarded onto the Vidyanjali Portal to facilitate gap analysis and encourage participation from volunteers and organisations in improving facilities.
With a comprehensive strategy combining enrolment drives, infrastructure upgrades, and administrative monitoring, the Uttar Pradesh government aims to make School Chalo Abhiyan a transformative initiative—ensuring that every child not only enters school but stays and thrives within the education system.
