Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday 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, the CM announced a phase-wise plan to expand the schools, aiming to increase their number to 2,000. He said that in the second phase, 57 similar schools will be set up as composite schools across various districts, whereas the third phase will extend this initiative to all 350 tehsils of UP. “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,” he said.
He said, “Ultimately, 2,000 such schools will be operational across the state, providing quality education to children.”
In addition, Yogi announced that the 57 new schools would cater to students from classes 1 to 12 and include Bal Vatikas.
He distributed school bags and textbooks to students entering classes 6 and 9. He also distributed prizes and certificates to the top three students from class 6 in the 2023-24 academic session. He also gave awards to Vigyan Ratna and students leading in sports and other activities.
Addressing the function the CM said, “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 society’s greatest enemies.”
He said, “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.”
The CM said, “This leads to widespread poverty, hunger, and deprivation. With his vast life experience, 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.”
He emphasised that a civilised and capable society or nation can only be envisioned by educating its people. “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,” he said.
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. “The government’s responsibility is to provide the right opportunities and platforms for talent to flourish,” he said.
Criticising those who engage in divisive politics, the CM 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 pandemic.
Yogi said 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 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,” he said.
He said that previous governments had resources but failed to provide education for the underprivileged. He emphasised that the setting up 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, the CM said, “Funds have been allocated to the Basic Education Council for setting up 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 said, “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 step towards preparing the new generation for future schooling.”
These schools will also offer sports facilities and regular health check-ups, as Yogi emphasised that only healthy children can contribute to building a healthy society.
He urged teachers to focus on students’ holistic development, emphasising 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.
The CM 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.
He said, “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.”
Yogi expressed his happiness in sharing that, after witnessing the model of Atal Residential Schools, many have offered support to help build these schools.
He 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.
The CM directed that meetings with parents should be held twice yearly to keep them informed and engaged. He emphasised that parents should be involved in their children’s future and promote their success within the community so others can benefit as well.
He stressed that admissions should be based on merit, not recommendations, as this will yield positive outcomes.
