Gujarat Launches Campaign To Re-Enrol More Than 80,000 School Dropouts

The Gujarat government on Wednesday launched a statewide campaign to bring more than 80,000 school dropout children back into classrooms, with the aim of achieving a “zero dropout” education system. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel launched the ‘Samras Vidya Setu’ Mega Campaign in Ahmedabad, saying the initiative would ensure that no child is left behind and every student receives access to education.

The state government has prepared district-wise lists of children who have left school, and teachers, local representatives and community leaders will jointly contact families to encourage parents to send their children back to classrooms. Officials said the identified students will be admitted to age-appropriate classes and provided academic support to overcome learning gaps caused by their absence from school.

Chief Minister Patel said Gujarat’s school dropout rate has declined to around two per cent, but the government has now focused on bringing back the remaining children who have discontinued their education. He stressed that ensuring free and compulsory education for children between six and 14 years is both a constitutional obligation and a social responsibility.

Also Read: Delhi Minister And Police Chief Participate In Ridge Plantation Campaign

Patel highlighted the importance of cooperation between schools and families in achieving the zero-dropout target. He said quality education would help young people benefit from Gujarat’s growing employment and business opportunities. He also pointed out that teachers play a key role in preventing dropouts by monitoring attendance and following up with families when students remain absent.

The Chief Minister said teachers are expected to visit students’ homes if they remain absent for two consecutive days to understand the reasons behind their absence. He added that improvements in government and municipal schools, including better infrastructure and learning facilities, have increased public confidence, with some families shifting their children from private schools to government institutions.

Education Minister Dr Pradyuman Vaja described the campaign as a people-driven movement to protect every child’s Right to Education. He said the programme would include home visits, parental engagement, mentoring and bridge courses, with participation from teachers, School Management Committees, district administrations, community organisations and local leaders. The government will also recognise districts and educators showing outstanding performance under the campaign on Teachers’ Day.

Also Read: Delhi Minister And Police Chief Participate In Ridge Plantation Campaign