Shala Praveshotsav marks Gujarat’s push for every child’s education

Gujarat’s flagship school enrollment campaign, Shala Praveshotsav and Kanya Kelavani Mahotsav, entered its 24th year with a renewed focus on ensuring that every child enters school and completes education. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel launched the statewide campaign from B.N. High School in Vadnagar, Mehsana — the same school where Prime Minister Narendra Modi received his education.

#WATCH | Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel attends School Education and Entrance Festival 2026 programme in Mehsana's Vadnagar pic.twitter.com/kAtpieRYoI

— ANI (@ANI) June 23, 2026

The launch marked the beginning of a three-day (June 23-25) statewide initiative aimed at strengthening the education ecosystem and encouraging children to pursue learning with confidence and determination. During the programme, around 390 children were enrolled in schools.Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s journey reflects how education, dedication and determination can help an ordinary student achieve extraordinary success. He added that under the Prime Minister’s leadership, new opportunities have emerged in education, skill development and growth sectors.
Highlighting the impact of the Shala Praveshotsav campaign, the Chief Minister said the initiative, launched in 2003 by then Chief Minister Narendra Modi, has brought a major transformation in Gujarat’s education sector. The campaign, along with Kanya Kelavani, has helped increase school enrollment to 100 percent while reducing the dropout rate from 37 percent to less than 1 percent.The Chief Minister credited the combined efforts of teachers, parents and the government for this transformation. He appreciated teachers in Vadnagar for identifying and re-enrolling 24 children who had discontinued their studies due to various reasons.He said technology is now helping identify children who remain away from schools, while teachers are actively connecting with parents to ensure regular attendance. He also urged parents to share equal responsibility with the government in ensuring that every child completes school education.

Focusing on girls’ education, Patel highlighted the success of government initiatives such as the ‘Namo Lakshmi’ and ‘Namo Saraswati’ schemes. Under the Namo Lakshmi Scheme, girls studying in Classes 9 to 12 receive financial assistance of Rs50,000, while students pursuing science education benefit from Rs25,000 assistance under the Namo Saraswati Scheme.

Advising students, the Chief Minister encouraged them to reduce dependence on mobile phones and television, manage their time effectively and focus on studies. He said discipline, respect for parents and dedication towards education are key to achieving success.

#ShalaPraveshotsav2026: Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel shared a message with students on balancing technology use, encouraging mindful screen time and better time management. pic.twitter.com/vDwLjcG7RK

— newsinc24 (@newsinc24) June 24, 2026

A unique highlight of the Vadnagar event was that students themselves managed stage arrangements, welcomed guests and delivered the vote of thanks, showcasing confidence and leadership skills. The Chief Minister appreciated their efforts and honoured meritorious students excelling in academics, arts and sports.The programme also carried messages beyond education. Students took a pledge to follow traffic rules, while the Chief Minister planted a tree on the school campus to promote environmental conservation. He also interacted with School Management Committee members to discuss improving educational quality.

Deputy CM Harsh Sanghavi Emphasises Building Children’s Future Through Education
Meanwhile, Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi participated in the Shala Praveshotsav programme at Kumar Primary School, Adalaj, in Gandhinagar district, where he enrolled 402 children across three government schools.Calling the smiles and excitement of children entering government schools the true success of Shala Praveshotsav, the Deputy CM said the campaign has transformed the educational journey of lakhs of students across Gujarat.He stressed that the responsibility of the education system goes beyond running schools and focuses on shaping children’s lives and building a brighter future. Addressing teachers and parents, he encouraged active participation through School Management Committees and urged teachers to develop good habits among students from the beginning.

VIDEO | Gandhinagar: Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi participated in the ‘Shala Praveshotsav & Kanya Kelavani Mahotsav’ and welcomed 402 students from three government schools as they began their educational journey. Emphasising the importance of education, good… pic.twitter.com/WnVjPqi7fb

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) June 23, 2026

During the event, Sanghavi also administered a road safety pledge, urging children to ensure that their parents wear helmets while riding two-wheelers. He said protecting citizens’ lives is more important than merely issuing penalties for traffic violations.
Shala Praveshotsav Moves Towards Tribal Gujarat
On the second day of the campaign, Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel is scheduled to participate in school enrollment activities at Moti Kharaj village in tribal Dahod district as part of “Pragatino Praveshotsav”.At Moti Kharaj, a total of 318 children, including 67 children entering Anganwadi Balvatika, will be enrolled in schools.Across Gujarat, around 28.58 lakh eligible children and students are expected to be enrolled during Shala Praveshotsav 2026. In the nine tribal talukas of Dahod district alone, 1,57,948 students, including 77,821 girls, will be enrolled as part of the campaign.From Vadnagar, where the Prime Minister’s educational journey began, to tribal regions like Dahod, Gujarat’s Shala Praveshotsav continues to focus on expanding access to education, reducing dropouts and ensuring that every child gets the opportunity to learn and progress.

(State Correspondent)