There has been a notable decrease in school dropout rates in Gujarat over the last twenty years, credited to two key schemes by the state government, ‘Shala Praveshotsav and Kanya Kelavani Mahotsav’. Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel announced this positive trend during an education festival aimed at enhancing student enrollment and promoting education awareness. The schemes, initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2003, focus on achieving full student enrollment and reducing dropout rates, especially among girls.
The Chief Minister kickstarted the event at B.N. High School in Vadnagar, emphasizing the success of the campaign launched 24 years ago in encouraging children to pursue education and lowering dropout rates. Thanks to the ‘Kanya Kelavani’ and ‘Shala Praveshotsav’ initiatives, Gujarat has achieved complete student enrollment and reduced post-enrollment dropout rates to less than one percent, a significant accomplishment according to the CM.
Students who enrolled in schools under these initiatives expressed excitement, with some looking forward to making new friends and engaging in learning activities. Parents also praised the government’s efforts, highlighting the positive impact on children’s education and future prospects. Events are organized across all districts and talukas of the state as part of these initiatives, with a target set to enroll over 2.85 million children in government schools this year.
District Education Officer of Ahmedabad, Rohit Chaudhary, emphasized the mass movement to ensure no child is left without education, with officials actively facilitating 100 percent student enrollment across various key transitions.
