By OUR STAFF REPORTER
Dehradun, 21 Apr: Under the state-wide ‘School Chalo Abhiyan’, the Uttarakhand Government has launched Praveshotsav to encourage admissions in government schools and ensure 100% student enrolment and retention. The campaign was formally inaugurated by School Education Minister Dr Dhan Singh Rawat at Government Inter College, Ranipokhri.
Addressing the event, Dr Rawat stated that increasing enrolment in government schools is a key priority for the state. Every government school will now mandatorily celebrate Praveshotsav, focusing on welcoming new students and encouraging parents and the community to choose government education. Departmental officials and teachers have been tasked with leading the enrolment drive at the local level.
The minister said the government is committed to creating a quality academic environment in public schools. To this end, the New Education Policy (NEP) 2020 is being implemented to enhance infrastructure and resources. All government schools are being equipped with essential amenities such as electricity, water, toilets, furniture, and free textbooks. Additionally, the state is emphasising school digitalisation through Smart Classes, Virtual Classrooms, Atal Tinkering Labs, and modern science labs to support online and practical learning.
Efforts are also underway to fill teaching vacancies by appointing permanent teachers to ensure quality education delivery. Dr Rawat emphasised that Praveshotsav is a crucial initiative and that all educational officers and teachers have been given responsibilities to make it a success.
During the programme, Dr Rawat welcomed 23 newly admitted students at GIC Ranipokhari with flower garlands and handed them their free textbooks. These included 16 students in Class 6, five in Class 9, and two in Class 12. Later, he participated in a similar programme at GIC Sabdarkhal in Pauri district, where he encouraged new students and their families.
The event at Ranipokhri was attended by District Panchayat Member Satish Semwal, Gram Pradhan Sudhir Raturi (Ranipokhri), Abhishek Krishali (Rainapur), Rajpal Krishali (Mauja), PTA President Chandra Singh Rawat, Block Education Officer Dhanveer Singh Bisht, Principal KS Gusain, DIET Principal, and Rajya Shikshak Sangh President Ram Singh Chauhan, along with other local representatives, officials, teachers, students, and parents.
68,000+ enrol in Gov Schools across Uttarakhand
Dr Dhan Singh Rawat disclosed that between 1 and 21 April, a total of 68,627 students were newly enrolled in government schools across Uttarakhand for the academic session 2025–26.
Enrolments were recorded primarily in Classes 1, 6, and 9, with the following district-wise breakdown: Almora: 5,736; Pithoragarh: 4,946; Bageshwar: 2,708; Udham Singh Nagar: 2,931; Nainital: 5,373; Champawat: 3,273; Chamoli: 4,871; Uttarkashi: 3,949; Rudraprayag: 3,725; Pauri: 5,954; Dehradun: 11,281; Haridwar: 6,817; Tehri Garhwal: 7,063.Dr Rawat added that Praveshotsav is being actively celebrated across all local government schools from today to further boost enrolments and provide free textbooks to all new students. Teachers and officials have been given specific responsibilities to ensure maximum participation and success of the campaign.
