BY Abhijit Nath
Lucknow, March 06: Uttar Pradesh Governor Anandiben Patel has underscored the importance of transparency, accountability, and direct supervision in universities and welfare institutions, highlighting her hands-on approach to monitoring progress.
Speaking about her working style, Patel recalled conducting marathon review meetings during the COVID-19 period, often lasting from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., with vice-chancellors, registrars, exam controllers, and finance officers. Each issue—from incomplete construction projects to delays in fund utilization—was scrutinized, compelling officials to explain shortcomings. “This made the real situation of universities clear,” she said, adding that corrective orders were issued immediately when problems surfaced.
Patel cited an example where 25 buildings had remained incomplete for five years. Documents were demanded the same day and forwarded to the Public Works Department, with instructions to submit progress reports within a month. Such reviews continued for 45 consecutive days.
On welfare initiatives, she pointed to her efforts in strengthening anganwadi centers, a responsibility entrusted to her by the Prime Minister. While Gujarat had a strong anganwadi framework, she noted that awareness was lacking in Uttar Pradesh. Patel introduced online reviews, set infrastructure and training standards, and claimed that within a year, a structured system was established.
She admitted the process was challenging, as many were unaccustomed to strict discipline. “Without results, recognition does not come. Perseverance is essential for success,” she remarked.
The Governor also emphasized direct dialogue with students to understand their problems, including commuting difficulties, and questioned the practice of annual university accreditation. She argued that recognition every five years would be more practical if academic outcomes and infrastructure were strong, and revealed she had discussed the matter with the University Grants Commission and AICTE in Delhi.
Her remarks reflected a blend of administrative rigor and grassroots engagement aimed at reforming higher education and child welfare.
Patel further highlighted reforms to bring the school dropout rate down to zero, stressing quality education and a “KG to PG” model of continuous learning.
Recalling Gujarat’s education model, she said teachers conducted village surveys to ensure every six-year-old was enrolled in Class I. Free textbooks were printed months in advance, uniforms distributed, and incentives introduced to encourage girls’ education. Villages with female literacy below 35 percent saw girls awarded ₹1,000 under the “Narmada Bond” scheme.
Between April and June, teachers prepared lists of children, ensuring books and uniforms reached schools by June. “No child was left out of education,” she asserted.
Community participation was also encouraged, with ministers and officials attending village events where children performed, practiced yoga, and received books and sweets. Libraries were also stocked during these programs.
Patel claimed the dropout rate has now fallen below 8.1 percent, with nearly all children brought under the education system. She stressed the importance of a seamless “KG to PG” pathway, enabling children to progress from kindergarten to higher education.
Referring to the National Education Policy, she said the goal is to raise the gross enrollment ratio in higher education to 50 percent by 2030. However, reducing dropouts in Classes X and XII remains the biggest challenge.
Since 2019, Uttar Pradesh has made significant strides in education, Patel noted, but emphasized the need for sustained planning and collective effort from administration and society to ensure every child continues education up to the highest level.
