Enrollment Drive 2007
A Universal Success in Vibrant Gujarat

Universal and spontaneous community participation turned Shala Praveshotsav-2007, into a people’s program. Kanya Kelavani Mahotsava organized as a part of the statewide Enrollment Drive during June 15,16 & 17, 2007 under the leadership of Hon. Chief Minister, Shri Narendra Modi and under direct supervision of Minister of Education, Smt. Anandiben Patel, met with tremendous success all over Gujarat.

According to the reports received, during the three days, a total of 5,68,318 children consisting of 2,70,821 girls and 2,97,497 boys were enrolled in Std-.I, while a total of 403566 children in the age group 3-5 years were enrolled in ICDS-Anganwadis, comprising 193705 girls and 209861 boys. Thus during the three days of the festival donations worth Rs.5,13,12,695 in cash and kind were received by schools in the state. A total of 21173 Vidhyalaxmi Bonds were given to newly enrolled girls. It was reported from the districts that students from upper classes made Yoga demonstrations in schools.

The processions of Kanya Kelavani Mahotsava, led by all the cabinet ministers, MPs, MLAs, Chief Secretary, and all officers from IAS, IPS, IFS & Secretariat cadres and Education Department, along with District-level officers, were taken out in all villages with low female literacy. As per the strategy adopted, every minister and officer visited at least five such villages everyday, so that during the three-day drive, each one of them had visited at least 15 villages requiring rigorous efforts to improve the female literacy by making efforts for 100 % enrolment of girls, along with boys.

The Enrollment Drive was celebrated with the festive spirit and amidst joyous atmosphere in every village and town. Eligible children, dressed for the occasion, were taken on a joyride on bullock-carts, camel-carts, and tractors with carriers and trucks, through the main streets before arriving at the school where teachers, members of VEC, MTA & PTA and other villagers greeted them with warm welcome. A tilak was applied on the foreheads of the newly enrolled children, who were also offered sweets and confectionery. The efforts were made to make them feel that a school is a place for fun and enjoyment.

Intense and enthusiastic participation of Village Education Committees, Mother Teacher Association, Parent Teacher Association and self-help groups was reported from everywhere. At every school, the message contained in the mailer from Minister of Education, Smt. Anandiben Patel was read out to the members of VEC, MTA & PTA, who pledged their total commitment and support for 100% enrollment and retention of children, especially girls, in primary schools. The boys and girls who stood first in their classes were felicitated and presented with books.

Donors presented the newly enrolled children with school bags, slates, pens, pencils, textbooks, notebooks, uniform etc. Under Vidyalaxmi Yojna, in villages with low female literacy, the girls enrolled in Std.I were given Narmada Bonds worth Rs.1000/-, which were also collected through local donations. A large number of people participated in the cultural programmes organized in all schools across the state.