PM Modi to inaugurate 18 Atal Awasiya Vidyalayas from Kashi; free education for children of migrant workers

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is poised to inaugurate 18 Atal Awasiya Vidyalayas (Atal Residential Schools) in Uttar Pradesh, with the event scheduled for September 23 in Kashi. This marks a groundbreaking initiative in India, as these schools are the first of their kind. Each institution sprawls across 15 acres and has been constructed at a cost of Rs 65 crore. Commencing from September 11, the academic session at these schools will offer free, contemporary, and residential education to the children of migrant construction workers and those affected by the covid pandemic.

The establishment of Atal Awasiya Vidyalayas falls under the umbrella of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY)-Gramin scheme. These schools are equipped with modern amenities, encompassing well-equipped classrooms, dormitories, playgrounds, and laboratories, and are staffed with trained teachers and support staff. The overarching objective of these institutions is to furnish quality education to the offspring of migrant construction workers and covid-affected individuals, who often grapple with the need to relocate frequently in pursuit of employment opportunities. Furthermore, these schools are expected to play a pivotal role in curbing the dropout rate among this vulnerable segment of the population.

The 18 Atal Awasiya Vidyalayas set to be inaugurated by PM Modi are strategically located across various districts in Uttar Pradesh, including Agra, Aligarh, Ayodhya, Bareilly, Bijnor, Bulandshahr, Deoria, Ghaziabad, Gorakhpur, Hapur, Jhansi, Kanpur Dehat, Lucknow, Meerut, Moradabad, Muzaffarnagar, Pilibhit, Pratapgarh, Raebareli, Sambhal, and Varanasi. This inauguration marks a significant milestone in the endeavor to provide quality education to the children of migrant construction workers and those affected by the covid pandemic. It also underscores the Government’s unwavering commitment to universal education.

In addition to the introduction of these 18 Atal Awasiya Vidyalayas, the Government is actively establishing 750 new schools under the PMAY-Gramin scheme, which will be strategically positioned in different regions across the nation. These institutions will offer free and contemporary residential education to rural children from diverse backgrounds.

The Government’s profound emphasis on education is indeed praiseworthy and represents a positive stride towards the right direction. Education stands as the cornerstone of a brighter future and plays an indispensable role in the nation’s progress. The Government’s commendable initiatives to provide high-quality education to all children, irrespective of their socio-economic backgrounds, deserve accolades.

The inauguration of the 18 Atal Awasiya Vidyalayas in Uttar Pradesh marks a momentous occasion and stands as a pivotal move towards realising the Government’s vision of universal education. These schools will not only illuminate the future of children from migrant construction worker and covid-affected families but also contribute significantly to the fortification and prosperity of India as a whole.

Atal Residential Schools (ARSs)?

Atal Residential Schools (ARSs) represent a network of residential educational institutions established by the Government of India across various states in the country. These schools are named in honor of the former Prime Minister, Atal Bihari Vajpayee, and are committed to offering free, contemporary, and residential education to children hailing from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Each of these schools possesses a capacity to accommodate 1,000 students, ensuring equal enrollment opportunities for both girls and boys, with 500 seats allocated to each gender. The curriculum employed in these institutions adheres to the guidelines set forth by the National Curriculum Framework (NCF), encompassing a wide array of subjects including science, mathematics, English, Hindi, social studies, and physical education. Moreover, ARSs promote a holistic development approach by providing extracurricular activities such as sports, music, and dance. Admissions into these esteemed institutions are granted on a merit-cum-means basis, ensuring that deserving students gain access to quality education. Financial support for the schools is provided by the Government of India, while the respective State Governments oversee their management.

The core objectives of ARSs can be summarised as follows:

• Delivering high-quality education to children belonging to underprivileged backgrounds
• Facilitating social and economic upliftment
• Cultivating the innate talents of young individuals
• Equipping students with the skills necessary for pursuing higher education and securing meaningful employment
• Inculcating values of patriotism and fostering national integration
• ARSs constitute a pivotal initiative undertaken by the Government of India to bridge educational disparities and empower children from disadvantaged backgrounds. These schools have played a transformative role in the lives of numerous young learners, offering them the opportunity to construct a brighter and more promising future for themselves