CM Yogi On UP School Dropout Rate: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday said that the state has significantly reduced its out-of-school children rate from 19 per cent to just 3 per cent, attributing the achievement to sustained reforms in the education sector.
The chief minister made the remarks while inaugurating the 'School Chalo Abhiyan' and distributing textbooks for the new academic session, along with certificates to 'Nipun' schools and students, at a programme held in Varanasi.
"Out-of-school rates in Uttar Pradesh have reduced from 19 per cent to 3 per cent. This reflects the success of our continuous efforts to bring every child into the education system," he said.
Highlighting the government's investment in education, Adityanath said, "The state government spends over Rs 80,000 crore on school education, ensuring better infrastructure and improved access."
He added that Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas have been established in every block, with approvals now extended up to Class 12 to support girls from underprivileged backgrounds. "This will ensure that girls from weaker sections can continue their education without interruption," he said.
Focusing on early childhood education, the chief minister said that 'Bal Vatika' classes are being introduced in every Anganwadi centre for children aged 3 to 6 years. "This initiative will help develop foundational learning skills before children enter Class 1 at the age of six," he noted.
Sharing an example of Chitrakoot District Magistrate, Adityanath said, "It is encouraging to see district officials leading by example. The District Magistrate enrolling his own child in a government school sends a strong message." He urged teachers to follow suit, adding, "Teachers should enrol their children in the same schools where they teach. This will strengthen accountability and improve quality."
The chief minister also called upon teachers to take proactive steps to ensure 100 per cent enrollment. "Visit nearby villages, knock on doors, and find out why children are not attending school. Engage with parents and ensure that every child returns to the classroom," he said.
Emphasising a shift in teaching methods, Adityanath said, "The era of rote learning is over. Teachers must focus on conceptual clarity and skill-based education. Students should be taught how to solve problems through simple methods so that learning becomes meaningful and long-lasting."
Recalling the situation before 2017, the chief minister said that many government schools were in a dilapidated condition and facing closures. "When our government came to power, we witnessed poor infrastructure and high dropout rates across districts," he said.
He added that initiatives like 'Operation Kayakalp' and 'NIPUN Bharat' have played a crucial role in transforming the education landscape.
"These programmes have improved basic facilities in schools and ignited curiosity for learning among children, leading to increased attendance," he said.
Adityanath also noted that the state's efforts have been recognised by NITI Aayog, further validating the impact of its education reforms.