Launches multiple initiatives to boost education, honours meritorious students and athletes
Lucknow – Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday lauded the transformation of Uttar Pradesh from a “BIMARU” state to the growth engine of India, stating that today’s youth are no longer struggling with an identity crisis. Speaking at a felicitation ceremony for board exam toppers and medal-winning athletes from the 68th National School Games 2024–25, he said today’s students are “fortunate” to be studying in a reformed and progressive educational environment.
During the event held in Lucknow, the Chief Minister distributed ₹1 lakh in cash, tablets, citation letters, and medals to meritorious students from central and state board exams. Athletes who won gold medals at the national level received ₹75,000 under the Mukhyamantri Vidyalayi Khel Puraskar. Silver and bronze medalists were awarded ₹50,000 and ₹30,000 respectively. Team event winners were also felicitated.
Yogi said, “The past eight years have redefined the image of school education in UP. Before 2017, basic education was collapsing, and secondary education had become a hub of cheating. We’ve replaced chaos with credibility.”
Crackdown on Past Malpractices
CM Yogi sharply criticized previous governments for institutionalizing malpractices such as mass cheating and transfer-posting rackets. “Two parallel businesses thrived in the past — one around cheating and the other around job transfers. We have dismantled both and brought in transparency,” he asserted.
He highlighted reforms like mandatory CCTV surveillance, boundary walls, infrastructure development, and shorter, more structured exam durations. “Exams that used to stretch for months now conclude in just 13–14 days,” he noted.
Focus on Merit and Gender Equity
Lauding the outstanding performance of female students, the CM remarked, “This year’s board results were surprising. Girls have clearly outperformed boys in hard work and consistency.” District-level toppers received ₹21,000, tablets, and medals.
He emphasized that exams are meant to instill a sense of healthy competition, not fear, and used the occasion to send a strong message to those damaging public property. “Government property is public property — part of our collective responsibility. If you see someone destroying it, confront them, report them. We will recover the damages,” he warned.
Major Recruitment Drive Announced
In a significant announcement, CM Yogi revealed that over 60,000 police personnel will receive their appointment letters on June 15, in an event graced by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Notably, over 12,000 of them are women. “Between 1947 and 2017, only 10,000 women were recruited. We’ve surpassed that in a single phase,” he said.
Boost to Sanskrit and Modern Education
The CM laid the foundation stone for multiple educational infrastructure projects worth ₹122 crore, including new Sanskrit schools in Chandauli and Bhadohi, and new buildings in Malihabad and Lucknow. He also launched the new building of the Uttar Pradesh Madhyamik Sanskrit Shiksha Parishad — a ₹42.42 crore project — which will feature a Sanskrit library and training centres.
Calling Sanskrit the soul of Indian culture, he emphasized, “This is a tribute to our rishi heritage and a step towards its revival.”
Modern Labs for Future Skills
In a visionary move, the government signed an MoU between the Secondary Education Department, Tata Nelco, and Japanese firm Yaskawa to set up Dream Labs in government schools. These labs will offer training in robotics, design, and electronics under the Hub and Spoke model, with an investment of ₹162.72 crore. “This ensures students not only get scale but also skill,” Yogi said, aligning the initiative with PM Modi’s vision of Skilled India.
Finance and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Suresh Khanna, Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Singh, Additional Chief Secretary (Finance & Secondary Education) Deepak Kumar, and DG (School Education) Kanchan Verma were present. Secondary Education Minister Gulab Devi joined virtually from Sambhal.
