Lucknow: Government schools in Uttar Pradesh have undergone a major transformation over the past nine years, ensuring 96% of basic facilities including drinking water and separate washrooms for boys and girls, and providing tablet PCs to 2.61 lakh teachers, said basic education minister Sandeep Singh at the conclave ‘Defining Years of Transforming UP’ organised by The Times of India on Thursday.
From Neglect to Smart Classrooms
Singh stated, “State-run schools, that were once symbols of neglect and disarray, now boast of smart classrooms, digital education and quality teaching.” He emphasised that this transformation is not merely infrastructural; it is about transforming the future of children, the trust of their parents, and laying a strong foundation for a ‘New India.’
Key Statistics
Referring to figures, Singh said that 31,878 schools across the state have been equipped with smart classrooms, ICT labs have been established in 14,988 schools, and digital libraries have been developed in 1,129 schools.
Empowerment of Girls
Stressing the empowerment of girls, Singh noted that 746 Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas (Girls’ Schools) have been upgraded from Class VIII to XII. “It is only when our daughters are educated that society will become self-reliant and the nation will truly prosper. Girls at KGBV now have a safe environment,” he said.
Criticism of Previous Governments
Criticising previous governments, Singh said that the education system nine years ago fell victim to political neglect, corruption, and systemic disorder. “There was neither transparency nor any constructive effort to modernise schools during previous governments.” He added that the Samajwadi Party’s sole concern was their own political future; they held no genuine concern for the future of the children. “Consequently, schools continued to grapple with lack of basic amenities and a dilapidated administrative system.”
From Blackboard to Smartboard
Highlighting Uttar Pradesh’s educational journey from blackboard to smartboard, Singh said the government has elevated education from a mere tool for vote-bank politics to the most powerful instrument for nation-building.
