Gujarat: School enrolment drive records strong response on first day of three-day programme
Gandhinagar, June 23
Lakhs of children enrolled in schools across Gujarat on the opening day of the three-day 'Kanya Kelavani Mahotsav and Shala Praveshotsav 2026', as the state government launched a fresh drive to increase enrolment, improve literacy and bring every child into the formal education system.
The 24th edition of the annual enrolment campaign was formally inaugurated by Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel from the B.N. High School in Vadnagar, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi studied during his school years.
The programme, which runs across the state over three days, covers 9,165 villages and 12,729 schools. The first day witnessed large-scale participation from public representatives, government officials and community leaders.
According to the Education Department, 30,502 dignitaries, including ministers, elected representatives and senior officials, visited schools to welcome children and encourage enrolment.
Fresh enrolments recorded during the opening phase of the programme included more than 68,000 children entering Anganwadis and kindergartens, over 1.47 lakh children joining Balvatika, more than 36,000 children enrolling in Class 1, over 2.16 lakh students entering Class 9, and more than 1.15 lakh students taking admission in Class 11.
Addressing the launch event, Patel reiterated the state's commitment to achieving universal enrolment and ensuring that "no child is deprived of education".
The campaign has traditionally focused on increasing school attendance, reducing dropout rates and encouraging girls' education, particularly in rural and remote areas.
As part of these efforts, the government said it has provided transportation facilities to around 24,267 schools to help students, especially girls, continue their education without interruption.
Nearly 920 meritorious girls were also encouraged through the distribution of 'Vidyalakshmi Bonds' under the enrolment drive.
The programme also drew significant public support. The Education Department said contributions worth Rs 9.06 crore were received through public participation.
The assistance included Rs 1.24 crore in cash and Rs 7.83 crore in educational materials, including school bags, stationery, and smart televisions for schools.
The campaign comes as the state seeks to identify and enrol children who remain outside the education system.
According to the Education Department, a recent 'Back to School Survey' identified 3,485 children across Gujarat who have yet to be enrolled in school.
Officials said a special enrolment drive would be undertaken in the coming days to bring these children into the mainstream education system.
The three-day programme will continue across Gujarat with school visits, enrolment activities and community outreach initiatives aimed at strengthening participation in education and ensuring wider access to schooling.
— IANS
Reader Comments
As someone who works in education policy in the US, I'm impressed by how Gujarat is tackling this. The transport facilities for 24,267 schools is a logistical marvel. But I wonder—how does the quality of education compare with infrastructure? Getting kids in is one thing, keeping them engaged is another.
This is good, but let's not get carried away. 3,485 children still out of school in a survey is a small number—the real challenge is the quality of teaching and overcrowded classrooms. I've seen government schools in small towns where one teacher handles 80 kids. Enrolment is just the first step. Respectfully, where is the plan for teacher training?
Kanya Kelavani Mahotsav is such a beautiful tradition now. My own daughter is studying in Class 5 because of this drive—I couldn't afford school before. The Rs 9.06 crore in public donations shows people care. But I say, why stop at three days? Make it a year-round mission! 🙏
Reading this from Canada, I find the community participation impressive—30,502 dignitaries visiting schools is a huge signal. But I'd love to see data on retention rates from previous campaigns. Good intentions aside, the dropout rates in rural Gujarat must be tracked transparently. Hope the 'Back to School Survey' includes qualitative interviews too. 🤔
Ek number! 👏 Finally, some real action on the ground. My cousin in a village near Vadnagar said they distributed new books and bags today. The kids were so excited. Just hope
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