Shala Praveshotsav 2024: Gujarat Schools See Record Participation and Enrollment Surge

Gandhinagar : The state-wide Shala Praveshotsav 2024 has received an overwhelming response with  6,685 classrooms, 7,878 computer labs, and 26,570 smart classes inaugurated between June 26 to June 28. 

As part of the Shala Praveshotsav, data entry has been completed for 4.38 lakh children in Bal Vatika, 9.14 lakh in Class 1, 8.12 lakh in Class 9, and 5.63 lakh in Class 11 on the Child Tracking System portal for school admissions. This data entry process will conclude by July 31. Due to Namo Lakshmi Yojana launched by the state government to enhance girls’ education, enrollment of female students in secondary and higher secondary schools during Shala Praveshotsav has risen by 6.5% compared to the previous year. Also, the Namo Saraswati Vigyan Sadhana Yojana, aimed at promoting interest in science education, has resulted in a 5% increase in the number of science stream schools.

Initiated by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi during his tenure as Chief Minister of Gujarat, this campaign aims to foster the progressive growth of education levels and promote girls’ education across the state.

Highlighting the significance of this initiative, the Chief Minister emphasized its role in realizing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Viksit Bharat through Viksit Gujarat. He said that Gujarat’s consecutive successes in the Shala Praveshotsav demonstrate the positive outcomes of taking ownership of one’s work.

The Chief Minister emphasised the transformation in the perception of education and teachers, noting improvements in quality, standards, and facilities. He emphasised the role of teachers as parental figures, committed to the holistic development of students. CM also stated the extension of advanced educational facilities to rural and tribal areas. He mentioned the need for collective efforts to improve initiatives like Shala Praveshotsav, ensuring children fully benefit from such programs. Reflecting on his experience with Shala Praveshotsav, the Chief Minister pointed out that the most remote tribal villages have now become leaders in development, thanks to government-provided facilities. He noted that this year’s Praveshotsav focused on class 9 admissions for the first time, aiming to significantly reduce dropout rates.

During the meeting, Education Secretary Dr. Vinod Rao highlighted the achievements of the Shala Praveshotsav 2024. Throughout Praveshotsav, 74,352 officials visited 31,885 primary schools and 6,369 secondary schools across the state.