1,354 students shifted to municipal primary schools from private schools: Gujarat Dy CM Harsh Sanghavi
Vadodara, June 25
The Shala Praveshotsav and Kanya Kelavani Mahotsav at Maharani Shantadevi Primary School, Khodiyar Nagar, in Vadodara district, was celebrated with great enthusiasm on Thursday, under the chairmanship of Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi and in the presence of Minister for Women and Child Welfare Manisha Vakil.
Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi, on the occasion, urged teachers to honour the trust that parents place in them by shaping children's lives with dedication and sincerity, according to a release. He said, "Children should enjoy joyful, activity-based, and stress-free learning instead of rote memorisation."
He also encouraged teachers and parents to promote sports, science, music, and the arts alongside academics so that children develop the confidence to face life's successes and challenges and grow into responsible citizens. He further urged parents to instil healthy living habits and cleanliness in their children from an early age.
Deputy CM Sanghavi stated that 49,924 students are currently studying in the Hindi, English, and Gujarati medium schools managed by the Vadodara Nagar Prathmik Shikshan Samiti and noted that 7,544 children secured fresh admissions this year, including 1,354 students who shifted from private schools to government-run municipal primary schools.
He described this achievement as a major success of the Education Committee and the Vadodara district administration. He also congratulated the Education Committee and the district administration for their efforts in conducting door-to-door campaigns to re-enrol school dropout students.
During the programme, the Deputy Chief Minister and other dignitaries formally welcomed children taking admission into Anganwadi, Balvatika, and Standard 1, encouraging them as they embarked on their educational journey, the release further stated.
During the Shala Praveshotsav organised by the Vadodara Nagar Prathmik Shikshan Samiti, 4,167 students secured admission to Balvatika. In addition, a total of 7,544 students, including those who transferred from private schools to Standards 1 to 8, received fresh admissions. Special enrollment was also facilitated for Divyang children as part of the Shala Praveshotsav.
During the programme, meritorious students, Divyang para-athletes, and re-enrolled students were felicitated. The Deputy Chief Minister and other dignitaries also visited the school campus.
Delivering the welcome address, the administrative officer of the Vadodara Nagar Prathmik Shikshan Samiti, Vipul Bharatiya, informed that under the Vadodara Education Committee's "Vision 2030," all industries and CSR organisations in Vadodara city will be connected with the education system.
He stated that, along with providing high-tech facilities in schools, seminars for teachers and experiential learning opportunities for students will be introduced, which will facilitate the effective implementation of the National Education Policy.
— ANI
Reader Comments
This is wonderful news for education equity. Moving 1,354 students from private to municipal schools shows that the quality gap is narrowing. As an educator, I especially appreciate the emphasis on joyful learning and reducing rote memorization—that's a fundamental shift we need across India.
I'm glad to see the government focusing on re-enrolling dropouts and welcoming Divyang children. However, I hope the "Vision 2030" connecting CSR funds translates into actual infrastructure upgrades and not just PR. My own experience in municipal schools is that basic amenities like clean toilets and drinking water are still missing. Let's fix those first. 🤞
A stress-free, activity-based learning environment is exactly what children need. My cousin studies in a municipal school in Gujarat and she loves the new sports activities. I hope this momentum continues and other states follow Gujarat's lead.
7,544 fresh admissions is impressive. But I want to know—what about teacher salaries and training? Activity-based learning is only possible if teachers are properly trained and motivated. We have seen many "vision" documents before; let's hope this time it's different.
The shift away from rote memorization is crucial. I was a product of that system—cramming facts without understanding. This new approach, paired with support for Divyang children and focus on arts and sports, truly sounds like the beginning of meaningful education reform in Gujarat. 🌟
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