More than 16.35 lakh students were enrolled in 37,211 schools in Gujarat during the state’s ‘Shala Praveshotsav and Kanya Kelavani Mahotsav’, aimed at enhancing enrolment and reducing dropouts. The campaign, led by Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, focused on boosting literacy and ensuring universal school enrolment. The 24th edition of the campaign commenced from B.N. High School in Vadnagar, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi received his primary education.
During the initiative, over 1.93 lakh children started their education in anganwadis and nursery schools. Additionally, more than 4.34 lakh children joined Balvatika, over 1.05 lakh students entered Class 1, and more than 5.93 lakh students enrolled in Class 9. Moreover, over 3.08 lakh students secured admission to Class 11. The ‘Back to School Survey’ brought back 71,229 students to the education system, aiming to reintegrate those who had dropped out.
To enhance educational access, the state government introduced new transport facilities in about 2,766 schools to aid students. Furthermore, 13,084 meritorious girls were awarded Vidyalakshmi Bonds to incentivize their pursuit of higher education and promote girls’ schooling. The campaign, which aimed at boosting Gujarat’s literacy rate and achieving full enrolment, received contributions exceeding Rs 28.97 crore in cash and materials from donors across the state.
Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi, along with other officials, visited schools personally during the three-day campaign. The annual school admission program was launched from Vadnagar as part of this statewide initiative.
