Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath serves food to students during the launch of ‘School Chalo Abhiyan’ campaign held at Composite School in Varanasi on Saturday. | Photo credit: ANI
In Varanasi on Saturday, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath appealed to every section of the society to ensure that no child is left out of school and advocated reducing the dropout rate to zero, adding that the dropout rate in UP has come down from 19% before 2017 to just 3%. “I request all of you, be it teachers, parents, public representatives and all sections of society to ensure that no child is deprived of education. It is the most sacred responsibility, every individual gets an opportunity to succeed and those who mold themselves will succeed,” Mr. Adityanath said while launching the ‘School Chalo Abhiyan’ for the academic session 2026-27 at Varpurana School.
“Every child must be brought to school. When a child is educated and cultured, they express gratitude and show respect for a lifetime. When a child becomes literate, the society progresses and the nation reaches new heights of prosperity. On the contrary, illiteracy leads to poverty and backwardness. Therefore, every child must be educated to move towards a developed India,” the UP CM added.
Mr. Adityanath also inspected the exhibition prepared by the students in the school premises and interacted with them. He also directed principals to engage with parents and urged teachers to visit houses in villages and localities before classes to identify children who are not attending school. “Parents should be informed that the government provides all facilities free of charge and encouraged to enroll their children,” he said.
Touching on the scenario of education before 2017, Mr. Adityanath said that education is not on the government’s agenda. “Before 2017, education was not on the government’s agenda. The dropout rate was 19%, especially after classes 3 to 6. Children stayed out of school due to lack of basic facilities like toilets and drinking water. These gaps have now been addressed. The dropout rate has come down to 3% and must be brought down to zero. Uttar Pradesh school now spends more than 800000″ Kasturresba Gandhi schools have been extended up to 12th standard and Atal residential schools have been set up for children of working and destitute families,” the UP CM said.
Mr. Adityanath added that every child now gets free uniforms, sweaters, bags, books, socks and shoes. “Each child is provided with ₹1,200 for uniforms and related items. Teachers must ensure that children go to school in proper uniforms. If they fulfill this duty sincerely, their lives will be meaningful and successful. Education is not just about certificates or degrees, but about building character and shaping the future of the society and the nation,” he said.
Published – 05 Apr 2026 04:20 IST
