Gujarat CM Launches 24th Shala Praveshotsav At PM Modi’s School, Notes Dropout Decline

Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Tuesday launched the 24th edition of the statewide ‘Shala Praveshotsav’, a school enrolment drive aimed at achieving universal access to primary education. The programme was inaugurated at B.N. High School in Vadnagar, Mehsana district, the institution where Prime Minister Narendra Modi studied during his early years. The event also marked the enrolment of around 390 children as part of the state’s annual campaign to boost school admissions.

The Chief Minister described the initiative, first launched in 2003, as a transformative step in Gujarat’s education sector. He highlighted that sustained efforts over the years have helped push school enrolment to near-universal levels, while the dropout rate has reportedly fallen from 37 per cent to less than one per cent. Officials present at the event said the programme continues to focus on identifying out-of-school children and ensuring their re-entry into the education system.

During his address, Patel emphasised the importance of education in shaping individual success, citing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s life as an example of how determination and learning can transform an ordinary background into national leadership. He urged parents and teachers to work in coordination with the government to ensure that every child completes schooling without interruption, stressing shared responsibility in improving educational outcomes.

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The Chief Minister also pointed to the identification and re-enrolment of 24 children in Vadnagar who had previously discontinued their education. He said that improved monitoring systems, including the use of technology and regular tracking by teachers, have made it easier to identify absentee students early and reconnect them with schools before they drop out permanently.

Patel further highlighted several state-level schemes designed to support students, particularly girls, in continuing their education. Under the ‘Namo Lakshmi’ scheme, financial assistance is provided to girls studying in Classes 9 to 12, while the ‘Namo Saraswati’ scheme offers additional support to science stream students. He said these initiatives have shown positive results and reflect the government’s focus on expanding access to education and reducing barriers to learning.

The Chief Minister also encouraged students to balance academics with discipline, advising them to limit excessive use of mobile phones and television and to prioritise structured study habits. He stressed the importance of respect for parents and consistent dedication to education as key factors for success. The event also featured student-led management of stage activities, along with awards for academic, artistic, and sports achievements, followed by a pledge on traffic safety as part of a broader civic awareness effort.

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