The Atal Awasiya Vidyalaya scheme provides free residential education to children from eligible construction-worker and other vulnerable families. The programme is designed to give students access to continuous schooling, accommodation and essential facilities through Class 12. It is particularly aimed at children whose education may be disrupted because their parents migrate between locations for employment.

The scheme is implemented by the Uttar Pradesh Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board under the state Labour Department. There are 18 Atal Awasiya Vidyalayas across Uttar Pradesh, with one school located in each of the state’s 18 divisions. The schools cater to students from Class 6 to Class 12 and follow a CBSE-affiliated curriculum. Sixteen schools were inaugurated in 2023, while the campuses were developed at a reported combined cost of around Rs 1,115 crore.

Admissions are primarily available for Class 6 and Class 9, with students continuing their education at the same residential school until Class 12. The scheme mainly covers children of construction workers registered with the UPBOCW, while certain other categories, including children orphaned during the Covid-19 pandemic, may also qualify under government provisions. Eligibility conditions can vary according to the admission notification issued for each academic year.

Also Read: TVK Worker Kannan Hacked to Death in Chennai, Five Arrested as Political Row Erupts

Each family can generally seek admission for a maximum of two children, while 50 per cent of seats are reserved for girls. Students are admitted through entrance examinations for Class 6 and Class 9. Applicants must meet prescribed conditions concerning their parent’s construction-worker registration, the child’s age and other requirements. Since these conditions can change between admission cycles, families are advised to follow the latest official notification before applying.

The residential schools provide more than classroom education, with students receiving accommodation, meals, uniforms and textbooks without charge under the scheme. Campuses include separate hostels for boys and girls, classrooms, laboratories, playgrounds, dining facilities and medical support. Sports and extracurricular activities are also part of the facilities, with each campus designed to accommodate around 1,000 students.

Applications are generally invited through admission notifications issued for the relevant academic session and division. Information may be made available through the Labour Department, district-level offices and the Atal Awasiya Vidyalaya system. Applicants need to submit documents related to construction-worker registration and the child’s age and identity, depending on the requirements of the particular admission cycle. With 18 residential schools operating across Uttar Pradesh, the scheme seeks to provide stable and accessible schooling to children from economically vulnerable and migrant-worker families.

Also Read: MP IAS Officer Alleges "Mutiny" by Subordinates After Fourth Transfer in a Year