Gujarat to launch school enrolment drive targeting over 28 lakh children across 38,400 schools
Gandhinagar, June 22
Gujarat will enrol around 28.58 lakh children in schools across the state during the three-day 'Shala Praveshotsav and Kanya Kelavani' campaign beginning on June 23, with Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel set to lead the statewide initiative from B.N. High School in Vadnagar.
The school, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi received his education, has been chosen as the launch venue for the 24th edition of the campaign, which was initiated by him during his tenure as Chief Minister of Gujarat in 2003 to encourage school enrolment and improve participation in education.
In Vadnagar, Patel is scheduled to facilitate the admission of 389 students, from Balvatika to Class 11, including two children at an Anganwadi centre.
According to the state government, the enrolment drive will be conducted from June 23 to 25 and will cover 38,400 schools across Gujarat.
Children aged above five years and below six years as of June 1 will be admitted to Balvatika, while those aged above six years and below seven years as of the same date will be enrolled in Class 1.
The programme will also facilitate the transition of students to higher levels of schooling. Children who have passed Class 8 will be admitted to Class 9, while those who have passed Class 10 will be enrolled in Class 11.
The campaign marks the 24th year of what the government describes as an ongoing educational outreach initiative.
During the three-day programme, senior government representatives, including the Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister, cabinet ministers and officers from the IAS, IPS and IFS services, will visit schools across the state to participate in enrolment activities.
Around 465 dignitaries and officials are expected to take part in the programme by visiting schools and assisting with admissions.
During their visits, officials will also review schools' academic performance, physical infrastructure and other achievements in consultation with School Management Committees (SMCs).
The state government said the enrolment festival will be organised with the participation of School Management Committees, parents and residents, with community involvement expected to play a central role in encouraging children to enter and continue in formal education.
— IANS
Reader Comments
As an NRI from the US, I find this community-driven approach inspiring. Back home in Texas, school enrolment is just a bureaucratic process. The idea of ministers personally visiting schools and involving SMCs, parents, and residents shows real commitment to education.
Kanya Kelavani focus is much needed! In my village in Saurashtra, I've seen many girls still drop out after Class 8. This campaign with IAS/IPS officers visiting schools can motivate parents to send their daughters to higher classes. But we need more hostels and safe transport for girls in rural areas.
Impressive scale - 28.58 lakh children across 38,400 schools! That's massive. I've worked in education policy in the UK and such targeted enrolment drives are rare globally. The transition support for Class 9 and Class 11 students is particularly smart - many kids drop out between grades.
While the campaign is good, I hope they also address the issue of school infrastructure. Many government schools in Gujarat lack basic facilities like proper toilets for girls, drinking water, and playgrounds. What's the point of enrolling children if the schools are not ready? 🤔
Balvatika enrolment for 5+ year olds is a great move! Early childhood education sets the foundation. In our village near Ahmedabad, parents used to directly put kids in Class 1 at age 6 without any preschool exposure. This will help them adjust better. Kudos to the Gujarat government for this sustained effort! 👏
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