Gandhinagar: Taking a significant leap towards strengthening the state’s education infrastructure, the Government of Gujarat has announced the launch of Mission School of Excellence 2.0, a flagship initiative aimed at upgrading physical facilities in grant-in-aid secondary and higher secondary schools. The scheme will be implemented from the academic year 2025–26 for a period of five years.
In a move set to benefit lakhs of students across the state, the government will provide financial assistance ranging from ₹10 lakh to ₹1.5 crore to selected schools, based on student strength, under a 80:20 cost-sharing model — with 80% of the cost borne by the state and 20% contributed by the respective school management.
read also: Gujarat: CM Bhupendra Patel Conducts Surprise Visit to Water Supply Board Office in Gandhinagar
Empowering Education Beyond Primary Level
Inspired by the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the initiative reflects a shift in focus from primary to secondary and higher secondary education, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of holistic, inclusive and equitable education.
A considerable number of students in Gujarat pursue their education through grant-in-aid institutions. To prepare for the anticipated rise in enrolment, the State Government is proactively strengthening the infrastructure in these schools — bringing them on par with government schools.
Visionary Leadership and Policy Backing
This transformative step has been approved under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and is being spearheaded by the State Education Department under Education Minister Dr. Kuber Dindor. The decision is also a positive response to longstanding demands from school management associations seeking parity in infrastructure support.
A formal Government Resolution (GR) has been issued to implement this infrastructure assistance scheme.
Comprehensive Infrastructure Support
The scheme covers an expansive range of infrastructure components, including:
- Construction of missing classrooms
- Libraries, Science Labs, Computer Labs, and Vocational Rooms
- Girls’ Rooms and special-purpose spaces
- Toilet blocks for boys, girls, and students with disabilities (Divyang)
- Drinking water facilities
- Compound walls, major repair works, painting, and other upgrades
- Accessible infrastructure tailored for Divyang students
These facilities are designed to create a student-centric learning environment, especially in rural and tribal areas, where the need is most pressing.
Application Deadline and Eligibility
Eligible grant-in-aid schools must submit their proposals in the prescribed format to the District Education Officer by September 30, 2025.
This move is expected to ease the financial burden on schools while ensuring that students have access to safe, well-equipped, and inclusive learning spaces.
