Lucknow, 26 May (HS): Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi

Adityanath highlighted the successes of the state's flagship 'Project Alankaar'

for improving government schools at the NDA Chief Ministers' Conclave in Delhi

on Sunday, according to an official release. The concept got widespread support

during a summit convened by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and several chief

ministers showed an interest in duplicating it in other states, according to a

statement.

Project Alankaar, which began on October 1, 2021, intends to

enhance the infrastructure and learning environments of 2,441 government

secondary schools in Uttar Pradesh by reaching 100% compliance with 35 infrastructure

and facility standards. The initiative provided schools with modern amenities

such as new classrooms, science laboratories, libraries, computer labs, and

smart classrooms, resulting in an inclusive and conducive learning environment,

according to the statement.

The state government, Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan, Gram Panchayats,

urban local authorities, corporate social responsibility (CSR) contributions,

and voluntary donations all help to fund Project Alankaar. The project's

execution is overseen by district-level committees chaired by district

magistrates and the director of education. The Annual Status of Education

Report (ASER) 2024 acknowledged the project's impact, citing increased student

enrollment and attendance.

Enrollment in government secondary schools climbed by 23%

between 2022-23 and 2024-25, primary school attendance (Classes 1-5) increased

by 11.5 percent from 2010 to 2024, and upper primary attendance (Classes 6-8)

increased by 9.6 percent from 2018 to 2024, the most in the country. According

to the statement, library usage increased by 55.2%, while girls' bathroom

access improved by 54.4%.

The project is also developing Chief Minister Model Schools

(pre-primary to Class 12) and Chief Minister Abhyudaya Schools (pre-primary to

Class 8) with playgrounds, verandahs, electricity and internet connections,

boundary walls, main gates, green spaces, storage rooms, staff rooms, stages,

guard rooms, and deep freezers for midday meals.

Hindusthan Samachar / Abhishek Awasthi