Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, on Thursday, inaugurated the 2024-25 academic session of all 18 Atal Residential Schools in the state at a ceremony held at the Atal Residential School in Mohanlalganj.

During the event, Chief Minister Yogi announced a 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.

Ultimately, 2,000 such schools will be run across the state, providing quality education to children. In addition, Chief Minister Yogi announced that the 57 new schools would cater to students from classes 1 to 12 and include Bal Vatikas.

During the ceremony, Chief Minister 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. The chief minister also gave awards to Vigyan Ratna and students leading in sports and other activities. The students impressed Chief Minister Yogi with their welcome performances, including dance routines.

In his address, Chief Minister 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 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.”

Chief Minister Yogi emphasised that a civilised 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.”

Chief Minister Yogi shared his experience while 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.

Criticising those who engage in divisive politics, Chief Minister 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.

Chief Minister Yogi noted that previous governments had resources but failed to provide education for the underprivileged. He emphasised 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, Chief Minister 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 in 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 Chief Minister Yogi emphasised that only healthy children can contribute to building a healthy society.

Chief Minister Yogi 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.

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.

Chief Minister 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, Chief Minister 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 emphasised that parents should be involved in their children’s future and promote their success within the community so others can benefit as well.

Chief Minister Yogi stressed that admissions should be based on merit, not recommendations, as this will yield positive outcomes.

Additionally, he called for the organisation 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 recognised and honoured during the annual festival.

On this occasion, Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak, Labour and Employment Minister Anil Rajbhar, Minister of State Manohar Lal (Mannu Kori), Lucknow Mayor Sushma Kharkwal, MLC Ramchandra Pradhan, Engineer Avnish Kumar Singh, Lal Ji Prasad Nirmal, MLA Jaya Devi, Amresh Kumar, OP Srivastava, Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Singh, Principal Secretary (Labour and Employment) Anil Kumar were present.