Stating that children from other states used to enroll in UP due to the easy availability of copying material prior to 2017, chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday said that various initiatives had been introduced to improve the education system in the state since the BJP came to power. Besides ending copying practice, initiatives like introducing coaching services, upgrading school infrastructure, and connecting children with technology have been implemented, the CM said.
He was speaking at the inauguration of 925 renovated schools in UP under the PM Shri Schools scheme, carried out with Rs 404 crore, and transfer of funds of Rs 347 crore for infrastructure facilities in secondary schools under Project Alankar. “I observed students from J&K, Himachal, and other states were enrolling in UP due to availability of copying materials during exams. Upon assuming office, we implemented strict measures and undertook substantial efforts to enhance school infrastructure,” Yogi said.
As a result, prestigious global educational institutions are expressing interest in establishing their branches in the state,” Yogi said. Touching upon New Education Policy (NEP), the CM said that the PM Shri School Scheme helped in taking forward the vision of a ‘New India’. He also hit out at the Opposition, criticizing their governments for having neglected educational facilities which forced underprivileged children to attend schools where there were no facilities, teachers or connectivity. Most of these schools were on the verge of closing down, he said.
The CM added that UP, with 5 crore students, would play a crucial role in taking India to new heights through the NEP. In recent years, the state has introduced new initiatives along with the theoretical curriculum, including One District One Product, skill development, and other educational programmes, he said. “Since assuming office, we have initiated the upgrading of basic schools through Operation Kayakalp. Presently, 96% of basic schools have been upgraded. These enhancements include additional classes, toilets, labs, and the introduction of smart classes,” he said.
To bring children back to school, the CM said, the School Chalo Abhiyan played a crucial role. As a result, there has been an increase of 40 lakh children in schools. During the campaign, it was observed that children were attending school barefoot and in shirts during the cold weather. To address this, the government started transferring funds to students for the purchase of bags, books, sweaters, and shoes. To address the shortage of teachers, the government recruited 1.25 lakh teachers.
The CM also spoke about the Abhyudaya Scheme, through which coaching was being provided to students for competitive exams like NEET, IIT, UPSC, etc. “Consequently, the children of the state are securing jobs through various competitive examinations,” the CM said.
