LUCKNOW: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has launched the ‘School Chalo Abhiyan’ for the 2026-27 academic session from Varanasi. The statewide campaign will ensure that no child is left out of the education system. The Chief Minister, while addressing officials and the public at the launch, called upon society at large, including parents, teachers, local communities, and administrative bodies, to actively participate in ensuring that every child attends school. He emphasised that education is not just a government responsibility but a collective duty that determines the future of the state and the nation.
The ‘School Chalo Abhiyan’ has been a key initiative of the Uttar Pradesh government aimed at increasing enrolment in primary and upper primary schools, particularly among children from disadvantaged and rural backgrounds. This year’s campaign carries an even stronger message i.e., achieving 100 per cent enrolment and ensuring that every eligible child is part of the formal education system.
Officials highlighted that the campaign will involve door-to-door surveys, awareness drives, and community engagement programs. Teachers and local authorities will identify children who are out of school and encourage their families to enrol them. Special focus will be placed on economically weaker sections, migrant families, and girls who are often at higher risk of dropping out.
One of the most notable achievements cited during the launch is the significant reduction in dropout rates. Over the past few years, Uttar Pradesh has reduced its school dropout rate to approximately 3 per cent, a sharp decline from earlier figures of 19 per cent.
According to official data, around 60 lakh new students have been enrolled in government schools across Uttar Pradesh over the past nine years. The government has undertaken several reforms to improve the quality of education in state-run schools. These include the introduction of smart classrooms, teacher training programs, digital learning tools, and regular academic assessments. The aim is not just to bring children into schools but also to ensure meaningful, high-quality learning experiences.
A key feature of the ‘School Chalo Abhiyan’ is its emphasis on community involvement. The campaign encourages active participation from village heads, self-help groups, non-governmental organisations, and local influencers. Parents are being made aware of the long-term benefits of education, including better employment opportunities and improved quality of life. Awareness rallies, enrollment camps, and public meetings are being organised across districts to spread the message.
The Chief Minister Yogi also stressed that the societal mindset plays a crucial role in achieving educational goals. He urged people to take responsibility for ensuring that children in their neighbourhoods are enrolled in school and attend regularly.
Special Focus on Girls’ Education
The campaign strongly focuses on girls’ education, as it is important for social and economic growth. In many areas, girls have not been able to study properly due to social and financial challenges. To address these challenges, the government has introduced several supportive measures, such as separate toilets for girls, provision of sanitary facilities, and safety-focused initiatives. The presence of female teachers and improved school infrastructure have also contributed to increased enrolment and retention of girls.
Over the years, the Uttar Pradesh government has invested in improving school infrastructure to create a more conducive learning environment. Classrooms have been upgraded, basic amenities such as drinking water and electricity have been ensured, and digital tools have been introduced in many schools. The integration of technology has made learning more engaging and accessible for students. These improvements have played a crucial role in attracting students to government schools and retaining them.
