Ahmedabad: Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has urged officials to ensure 100 per cent school enrolment across the state, stressing that no child should be left outside the education system. His remarks came during a guidance meeting in Gandhinagar ahead of the upcoming Shala Praveshotsav and Kanya Kelavani Mahotsav 2026 enrolment campaign.
CM’s Vision: Every Child Must Be Enrolled in School
Addressing officials, CM Bhupendra Patel said Gujarat must maintain its leading position in education by ensuring universal enrolment.
He emphasized direct engagement with parents to highlight the importance of education, stating that awareness at the household level is key to achieving full enrolment.
He said the state will move forward with a clear roadmap to ensure that “not a single child remains deprived of school admission.”
Dropout Rate Falls to 1%, Focus Now on Zero Dropouts
The Chief Minister highlighted that Gujarat’s school dropout rate has already declined to around 1 per cent, reflecting years of sustained educational reforms.
He added that along with enrolment, equal attention must be given to foundational learning skills such as reading, writing, and numeracy through initiatives like Gunotsav, ensuring students complete their education successfully.
Launch of Key Education Frameworks and Programs
During the event, several major education initiatives were launched, including:
- National Education Policy (NEP) 2020-based State Curriculum Framework (SCF)
- School Quality Assessment and Assurance Framework (SQAAF)
- Nipun Gujarat Programme (2026–27 to 2028–29)
These initiatives aim to strengthen foundational learning in primary education and improve overall school quality across the state.
Emphasis on Values, Hygiene, and Life Skills
Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi stressed that education must go beyond academics.
He said schools should focus on building habits, values, cleanliness, health awareness, and life skills, helping children grow into responsible citizens. He also urged officials to treat the enrolment drive as a social responsibility, not just an administrative task.
Gujarat’s Success in Tracing Dropout Students
Officials informed that nearly 6.5 lakh children who had dropped out in the previous academic year were successfully traced and re-enrolled through government efforts. The Deputy Chief Minister expressed confidence that continued efforts by society and government could help achieve a zero dropout rate in the future.
Strengthening Quality Education under NEP 2020
Education Minister Pradyuman Vaja said Gujarat has already achieved major milestones in universal enrolment and school infrastructure improvement through programs like Shala Praveshotsav and Gunotsav.
He added that the state’s focus is now shifting towards quality education, supported by:
- Standardized school quality benchmarks
- Scientific assessment of schools by GCERT
- Transparent evaluation systems
He also noted Gujarat’s strong national performance, including top ranking in Swachh and Harit Vidyalaya Rating.
Data-Driven Education Planning Across Gujarat
Senior officials including Chief Secretary M.K. Das and Education Department Principal Secretary Milind Torawane highlighted the importance of data-driven planning.
They stated that:
- Student data from Balvatika to Class 12 has been mapped
- Inter-departmental coordination (including health data) is being used
- Children at risk of dropping out are being actively identified
Officials reiterated that regular attendance and enrolment are essential to improving learning outcomes and reducing dropout rates to zero.
Gujarat’s Education Reform Movement Expands
The Shala Praveshotsav campaign, launched in 2003, continues to evolve as a major statewide movement connecting every child to formal education. Authorities described the 2026 edition as not just an admission drive, but a comprehensive effort to integrate all children into mainstream schooling.
The event was attended by ministers, senior officials, education department representatives, and district authorities who participated both physically and virtually.
About Gujarat’s Education Initiative
Bhupendra Patel-led government continues to expand education reforms through enrolment drives, quality frameworks, and foundational learning programs. With a strong focus on NEP 2020 implementation, Gujarat is working towards universal enrolment, improved learning outcomes, and a zero-dropout education system supported by structured governance and data-driven planning.
