By Our Correspondent
Lucknow, September 12: On Thursday, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath inaugurated the 2024-25 academic session for all 18 Atal Residential Schools in the state during a ceremony held at the Atal Residential School in Mohanlalganj. During the event, CM Yogi announced phase-wise plan to expand the schools, aiming to increase their number to 2,000.
According to him, in the second phase, 57 similar schools will be established as composite schools across various districts, while the third phase will extend this initiative to all 350 tehsils of Uttar Pradesh. In the fourth phase, such schools will be set up in 825 development blocks, and by the fifth phase, they will reach the Nyaya Panchayat level.
Highlights
- Chief Minister launches 2024-25 academic session across all 18 Atal residential schools
- CM Yogi: Residential schools will undergo phased expansion, offering quality education
- Children from 1st to 12th class will be able to study in the 57 schools to be built in the next phase; Bal Vatika will also be built: CM
- Talent is not a hostage of caste, opinion, or religion and it is govt’s responsibility to offer suitable opportunities: Chief Minister
- Those who have consistently exploited and sown chaos have a single agenda: to divide people for political gain, says the Chief Minister
Ultimately, 2,000 such schools will be operational across the state, providing quality education to children. In addition, CM Yogi announced that the 57 new schools would cater to students from classes 1 to 12 and include Bal Vatikas.
During the ceremony, CM Yogi distributed school bags and textbooks to students entering classes 6 and 9. He also awarded prizes and certificates to the top three students from class 6 in the 2023-24 academic session. Furthermore, the CM also gave awards to Vigyan Ratna and students leading in sports and other activities. The students impressed CM Yogi with their welcome performances, including dance routines.
In his address, CM Yogi stated: “Respected Atalji often said that no force in the world could prevent a society that successfully combats illiteracy and deprivation from becoming secure and prosperous. He considered illiteracy and scarcity to be the society’s greatest enemies.”
Yogi added: “Scarcity arises from poverty, idleness, anarchy, corruption, and division. Where there is corruption and anarchy, there will also be disorder, lawlessness, an unsafe environment, and a lack of respect for anyone. Moreover, when society lacks proper leadership, illiteracy spreads rapidly, and a significant portion of the population falls victim to it. This leads to widespread poverty, hunger, and deprivation. With his vast life experience, revered Atalji expressed these insights through his words and poetry. When he had the opportunity to lead the government, he implemented a comprehensive action plan to tackle these deep-rooted issues at their core.”
CM Yogi emphasized that a civilized and capable society or nation can only be envisioned by educating its people. He said, “Atal Residential Schools should set a benchmark for quality education. Every child, irrespective of caste, appearance, region, or language, should have equal access to the country’s resources without discrimination. To ensure this right, Atal Residential Schools have been established as a model for inclusive education.”
CM Yogi shared his experience interacting with students in a classroom, reiterating that talent is not bound by caste, opinion, or religion—it can emerge from anywhere. He added that the government’s responsibility is to provide the right opportunities and platforms for talent to flourish.
Criticizing those who engage in divisive politics, CM Yogi questioned, “How could individuals who incite caste-based conflicts and fuel social discord in the name of social justice understand the sting of poverty? ”
He asked whether those who have never experienced poverty and who have long exploited others and spread anarchy can truly grasp the struggles of registered workers affiliated with the BOC board or the plight of children who lost their parents or guardians during the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to him, these individuals neither have the time nor the inclination to understand such suffering, as they are solely focused on their political agendas. Their only goal, he stated, is to divide people for political gain. They do not want the underprivileged to escape poverty, deprivation, or illiteracy because if this were to happen, their divisive politics would collapse. They intend to push society toward division by any means necessary.
CM Yogi noted that previous governments had resources but failed to provide education for the underprivileged. He emphasized that the establishment of Atal Residential Schools aims to challenge the very foundations of those who seek to create chaos, anarchy, and mafia influence in the realm of education.
Outlining the upcoming action plan, CM Yogi said, “Funds have been allocated to the Basic Education Council for establishing schools in 57 districts in the next session. These schools aim to provide education without discrimination to every underprivileged child in the state. The schools will be known as CM Composite Schools, and in the third phase, the initiative will be expanded to all tehsils. With 350 tehsils in the state, one school will be built each. In the fourth phase, similar schools will be established in 825 development blocks, ensuring no poor child is deprived of quality education.”
He added, “In the fifth phase, the plan will extend to the Nyaya Panchayat level, resulting in 2,000 schools across the state dedicated to delivering excellent education. The 57 new schools will cater to students from classes 1 to 12, with Bal Vatika built. Giving admission to children from pre-primary to 3 to 5 years early education is a hopeful and optimistic step towards preparing the new generation for future schooling.”
These schools will also offer sports facilities and regular health check-ups, as CM Yogi emphasized that only healthy children can contribute to building a healthy society.
CM Yogi urged teachers to focus on students’ holistic development, emphasizing the need for their physical, mental, and intellectual growth. He stressed that each child’s talent should be nurtured and showcased to society without discrimination.
He highlighted that no child should face bias and that students should be instilled with the understanding that their primary goal is prioritising their country above all else.
“A sense of complete dedication to the nation should be fostered within them. If they work with this mindset, it will contribute to the success of these institutions and inspire others to join in this effort”, he asserted.
CM Yogi expressed his happiness in sharing that, after witnessing the model of Atal Residential Schools, many have offered support to help build these schools.
In his address, CM Yogi directed the management of Atal Residential Schools to conduct the written exams for students in classes 6 and 9 by June 15 next year, ensuring admissions are completed by July 15, with the academic session beginning on August 1.
He also instructed that meetings with parents should be held twice yearly to keep them informed and engaged. He emphasized that parents should be involved in their children’s future and promote their success within the community so others can benefit as well.
CM Yogi stressed that admissions should be based on merit, not recommendations, as this will yield positive outcomes.
Additionally, he called for the organization of sports and cultural competitions at least once a year in the Atal Residential Schools, with students excelling at both the school and state levels being recognized and honored during the annual festival.
On this occasion, Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak, Labor and Employment Minister Anil Rajbhar, Minister of State Manohar Lal (Mannu Kori), Lucknow Mayor Sushma Kharkwal, Legislative Council Member Ramchandra Pradhan, Engineer Avnish Kumar Singh, Lal Ji Prasad Nirmal, MLA Jaya Devi, Amresh Kumar, OP Srivastava, Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Singh, Principal Secretary Labor and Employment Anil Kumar were present.
