Education – Uttar Pradesh Expands School Enrollment Drive with Focus on Inclusive Learning
Education – Uttar Pradesh has intensified its efforts to ensure that every child has access to quality education by strengthening school infrastructure, expanding enrollment, and introducing welfare measures for education workers.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday launched the second phase of the state’s School Chalo Abhiyan 2026 from Saharanpur, highlighting education as the foundation for building a stronger and more progressive society. Addressing a public gathering, he appealed to teachers, local representatives, social organizations, and citizens to work together so that every eligible child is admitted to school within the next 15 days.
Education Described as the Foundation of National Progress
Speaking during the programme, the Chief Minister said quality education plays a vital role in shaping responsible citizens and future professionals across different sectors. According to him, schools not only provide academic knowledge but also help children develop discipline, values, confidence, and self-reliance, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to society and the nation’s development.
He encouraged all stakeholders to treat the enrollment campaign as a collective mission aimed at ensuring that no child remains outside the education system.
Dropout Rate Witnesses Significant Decline
Yogi Adityanath said Uttar Pradesh has recorded notable improvement in reducing school dropout rates over the past several years. He stated that the dropout rate, which earlier remained around 19 to 20 percent, has now fallen to nearly 3 to 4 percent.
The Chief Minister credited this progress to continuous improvements in government schools, better facilities for students, and sustained efforts to increase awareness about education among families.
Infrastructure Development Through Operation Kayakalp
Referring to reforms introduced since 2017, the Chief Minister said only about 36 percent of schools under the Basic Education Council had access to essential facilities when the current government assumed office. Many schools lacked basic infrastructure such as toilets, drinking water, furniture, kitchens, libraries, and boundary walls.
To improve these conditions, the state government implemented Operation Kayakalp, a programme aimed at upgrading government schools with support from local administrations, elected representatives, and community participation.
He said schools across the state are now being equipped with separate toilets for boys and girls, safe drinking water, classroom furniture, library facilities, and improved arrangements for the mid-day meal programme. The objective, he added, is to create a better learning environment for every student studying in government schools.
Special Attention to Inclusive Education
The Chief Minister stressed that every child deserves an opportunity to receive an education, regardless of social or economic background. He said keeping children out of school affects not only individual families but also the overall development of society.
As part of measures supporting inclusive education, he announced that scholarships have been provided to nearly 23,000 differently-abled girls during the 2025-26 academic session, helping them continue their studies.
Welfare Measures for Teachers and School Staff
Highlighting recent decisions for education workers, Yogi Adityanath said the state government has increased the honorarium of Shiksha Mitras from Rs 10,000 to Rs 18,000. Similarly, instructors have seen their monthly honorarium rise from Rs 9,000 to Rs 17,000.
In addition, he announced that part-time teachers, instructors, cooks, and personnel associated with the School Chalo Abhiyan will receive an insurance cover of Rs 5 lakh. The initiative is intended to provide financial security to those contributing to the functioning of government schools and the successful implementation of the enrollment campaign.
The Chief Minister reiterated that strengthening the education system remains one of the state’s priorities, with continued emphasis on expanding access, improving infrastructure, and ensuring that every child receives quality schooling.