School Chalo Abhiyan launched in UP, kids welcomed with tilak

‘School Chalo Abhiyan’ was launched across Uttar Pradesh in the state government run schools on Wednesday. On the very first day of the new academic session, a festive atmosphere was seen in these schools, where children were welcomed with tilak and the premises were decorated with flowers and balloons.

Awareness campaigns were carried out through rallies. From day one, a clear focus was seen on increasing enrollment and bringing back children who had dropped out of school. Minister of state (independent charge) for basic education, Sandeep Singh, said that ‘School Chalo Abhiyan-2026’ has begun to ensure 100% enrollment of children in council schools of Uttar Pradesh.

First phase from April 1 to 15, second phase in July

Director general, School Education, Monika Rani, said that the first phase of ‘School Chalo Abhiyan’ will run from April 1 to 15, while the second phase will be organised from July 1 to July 15. The objective of the campaign is to ensure 100% enrollment of children in schools.

Under this campaign, children who have dropped out will be identified and reconnected with schools. Through ‘School Chalo Abhiyan’, the state has achieved notable success in increasing public awareness towards education. Despite this, some children are still out of school due to various reasons, including those from disadvantaged sections, girls, children with special needs, working children and those from remote areas.

“The government is making special efforts to bring all these children into the mainstream of education, with a primary focus on achieving 100% enrollment through this campaign,” she said.

For the successful implementation of the campaign, the government has made extensive financial provisions. Each district has been allocated ₹5 lakh, each block ₹10,000 and each school ₹2,500 for various activities.

Under the campaign, activities such as School Chalo rallies, promotion through LED vans, cultural programmes, addresses by public representatives and distribution of textbooks are being organised.

LED vans will conduct publicity at different locations daily for 15 days. Additionally, a strategy has been devised to spread awareness to every village through hoardings, flex banners, wall writings and media promotion, ensuring that no child remains deprived of education.