Project Alankar, which transformed UP schools, gets thumbs up in meeting chaired by PM Modi
Lucknow: UP's flagship programme, Project Alankar, which ensured the turnaround of govt-run schools and educational institutes in the state, received widespread appreciation from chief ministers of NDA-ruled states in a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Sunday.
Several states approached the UP CM to understand the project closely and showed an inclination to replicate the model. Assistance was sought for the team of senior officials who are expected to visit the state to assess the situation on the ground.
Project Alankar was launched to transform the infrastructure and learning environment in state-run secondary schools across UP. The meeting, focused on sharing best practices in governance, saw Project Alankar emerge as a standout example of effective educational reform.
Launched on Oct 1, 2021, the project seeks to achieve 100% compliance with 35 infrastructure and facility benchmarks in 2,441 govt secondary schools across the state.
Under this initiative, schools are equipped with essential and modern facilities such as newly constructed classrooms, science laboratories, libraries, computer labs, smart classrooms, clean drinking water, and hygienic toilets—creating a conducive and inclusive environment for learning.
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Funding for Project Alankar comes from various sources, including the state govt, Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan, Gram Panchayats, urban local bodies, company CSR contributions, and voluntary donations.
The implementation is closely monitored by district-level committees chaired by the district magistrate and overseen by the education director at the state level.
Significant improvement was also recorded in the Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) 2024, which stated, "Clearly, something is changing in the schools of Uttar Pradesh, which is encouraging children to attend and actively participate in learning."
The report showed increased enrolment in govt secondary schools by 23% between 2022-23 and 2024-25. Attendance in primary schools, from classes 1–5, rose by 11.5% from 2010 to 2024, while that in upper primary schools, from classes 6 to 8, grew by 9.6% from 2018 to 2024 (the highest in the country).
Further, the use of libraries in schools surged by 55.2%, and access to girls' toilet facilities improved by 54.4%.
As part of Project Alankar, Chief Minister Model Schools (pre-primary to Class 12) and Chief Minister Abhyudaya Schools (pre-primary to Class 8) are also being developed.
These schools have state-of-the-art facilities, including dedicated buildings for young children, STEM laboratories, computer labs, smart classrooms, playgrounds, mini stadiums, solar panels, and water conservation units. Each Abhyudaya School, designed to accommodate 450 students, was allocated Rs 1.42 crore for development, said a govt spokesperson.
The scheme also includes constructing, renovating, and upgrading infrastructure in 11 Sanskrit schools located across 7 districts of UP. For the comprehensive rejuvenation of 141 Sanskrit schools, the Yogi govt sanctioned Rs 14.94 crore.
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Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : gdp Narendra Modi Operation Sindoor pakistan terror Waqf Location : New Delhi, India, India First Published: June 08, 2025, 09:10 IST News india Operation Sindoor, Global Respect, Waqf Reform: Modi Govt 3.0's Biggest Feats In 1 Year In Office
