Uttar Pradesh boasts one of the largest and most dynamic education ecosystems in India, with approximately 2.5 lakh schools catering to nearly 4 crore students and employing 26 lakh teachers across government and private institutions. The state’s education system has undergone a remarkable transformation, driven by a commitment to enhancing quality and infrastructure through innovative approaches and technology integration.
A cornerstone of this transformation is the integration of IT in education, fostering the development of smart classes, computer labs, and language labs across schools. Uttar Pradesh is home to 1,700 of the 14,500 PM SHRI Schools established nationwide, each equipped with state-of-the-art facilities. Additionally, the state has upgraded 75 brownfield schools into Abhyudaya Vidyalayas—one in each district—incorporating modern IT resources to provide quality education.
The establishment of 18 ATAL Schools, one in each of the state’s 18 mandals, is another noteworthy initiative, offering high-quality education to the children of labourers. Furthermore, 57 CM Composite Schools, each designed to accommodate 2,500 students from classes 1 to 12 with advanced infrastructure and amenities, are being developed. For girls from marginalised backgrounds, the state operates 743 Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas, residential schools that have significantly contributed to empowering young women through education.
In rural areas, societal attitudes toward girls’ education have seen a positive shift. Where families once prioritised domestic training for young girls, they now recognize the transformative power of education. Today, girls in Uttar Pradesh are encouraged to pursue learning opportunities, reflecting a growing awareness that women’s empowerment and societal progress are achievable through education.
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This comprehensive and inclusive approach underscores Uttar Pradesh’s dedication to advancing education through modern infrastructure, technological advancements, and innovative policies. Platforms like the Elets Technomedia summit play a crucial role in highlighting these initiatives, showcasing the state’s efforts to leverage IT and electronics for a brighter, more equitable future in education.
Insights shared by: Dr. M K Shanmuga Sundaram, IAS, Principal Secretary, Basic Education Department, Government of Uttar Pradesh at the recently concluded eUttar Pradesh Summit 2024.