The state-wide ‘Kanya Kelavani Mahotsav and Shala Praveshotsav 2026’ in Gujarat has successfully concluded, with more than 16.35 lakh students registering in schools during the three-day event. Covering 25,625 villages and 37,211 schools, the program aimed to boost education enrollment across the state. On the final day, activities were held in 8,287 villages and 12,495 schools, with nearly 28,000 dignitaries visiting to promote student participation.
The initiative was inaugurated by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel at B.N. High School in Vadnagar, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi had studied. The program’s 24th edition was overseen by the Chief Minister, Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi, Education Minister Dr Pradyuman Vaja, and Minister of State for Education, Rivaba Jadeja. Official figures reveal that over 62,000 children started early learning in anganwadis and bal mandirs during the campaign, with significant new enrollments in various school grades.
During the campaign, more than 34,000 students joined Class 1, over 1.79 lakh enrolled in Class 9, and 91,613 in Class 11. Additionally, 25,070 students re-entered education through the ‘Back to School Survey’ initiative. The state government also introduced transport services in 999 schools to facilitate student attendance. To support girls’ education, 3,935 meritorious girls were honored with ‘Vidyalakshmi Bonds’ for higher education pursuits.
Public involvement played a crucial role in the program, with donations exceeding Rs 10.71 crore, including cash contributions and educational material donations. Citizens across Gujarat contributed over Rs 28.97 crore in cash and kind during the three-day campaign, emphasizing the community’s commitment to education. The program’s primary goal is to enhance enrollment rates and ensure universal access to education in Gujarat, underscoring the state’s dedication to achieving comprehensive school participation.
