Gujarat CM launches 24th Shala Praveshotsav from PM Modi's school in Vadnagar
Synopsis
Gujarat's 24th Shala Praveshotsav wasn't just a ceremonial launch — it was a data-backed milestone. Held at PM Modi's own school in Vadnagar, the event highlighted a dropout rate that has collapsed from 37% to under 1% since 2003, with 390 children enrolled on the day and 24 local dropouts brought back into classrooms.
Key Takeaways
Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel launched the 24th Shala Praveshotsav on 23 June from B.N.
High School, Vadnagar — PM Modi's alma mater.
Around 390 children were enrolled at the launch event in Mehsana district .
Gujarat's school dropout rate has fallen from 37% to under 1% since the campaign began in 2003 .
24 dropout children in Vadnagar were identified and re-enrolled this year.
Girls in Classes 9–12 receive ₹50,000 under the Namo Lakshmi scheme ; science-stream students get an additional ₹25,000 under Namo Saraswati .
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel on Tuesday, 23 June launched the 24th edition of the statewide 'Shala Praveshotsav' school enrolment drive from B.N. High School in Vadnagar, Mehsana district — the institution where Prime Minister Narendra Modi received his early education. The launch saw the enrolment of around 390 children, underscoring the state's continued push for universal school attendance.
Key Developments
Patel highlighted that the campaign, first introduced in 2003, has driven a dramatic turnaround in Gujarat's education landscape. School enrolment has climbed to nearly 100 per cent, while the dropout rate has plummeted from 37 per cent to under 1 per cent over two decades. Notably, 24 children in Vadnagar who had previously discontinued their schooling were identified and re-enrolled as part of this year's drive.
What the Chief Minister Said
'A student from an ordinary family can also achieve great success in life through hard work, determination and the power of education. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's life is an excellent example of this,' Patel said, addressing students, teachers, and parents at the event.
He also urged parents to share responsibility with the government in ensuring children complete their schooling, noting that teachers now use technology and regular monitoring to track absentees. 'If a student remains absent even for one or two days, teachers contact the parents and express concern about the child's absence,' he said.
Schemes Supporting Girls' Education
The Chief Minister drew attention to two state schemes aimed at improving educational participation among girls. Under the 'Namo Lakshmi' scheme, girls enrolled in Classes 9 to 12 receive financial assistance of ₹50,000. Students opting for the science stream are additionally eligible for ₹25,000 under the 'Namo Saraswati' scheme. Patel said both programmes had delivered positive results in a short period.
Student-Led Event and Social Pledges
A distinctive feature of this year's launch was that students managed all key arrangements — stage management, guest reception, and the vote of thanks — themselves. Meritorious students and those who excelled in art and sports were honoured during the ceremony. All attendees also took a pledge to follow traffic rules as part of a broader social responsibility initiative.
What's Next
Patel later planted a tree on the school campus and held discussions with members of the School Management Committee (SMC) and the governing body on improving educational quality. With enrolment near saturation, the state's focus is expected to shift increasingly toward learning outcomes and retention, particularly in rural and tribal pockets where dropout risks remain higher.
Point of View
Progressing, and acquiring foundational skills. The choice of Vadnagar carries obvious political symbolism, but the more important story is whether two decades of this campaign have translated into measurable improvements in literacy and numeracy — data the state has been less forthcoming about than its enrolment numbers.
NationPress
23 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Shala Praveshotsav and when did it start?
Shala Praveshotsav is Gujarat's annual statewide school enrolment drive, first launched in 2003 to promote universal primary education. The 24th edition was inaugurated on 23 June 2025 from B.N. High School in Vadnagar, Mehsana district.
Why was the 24th Shala Praveshotsav launched from Vadnagar?
Vadnagar's B.N. High School is where Prime Minister Narendra Modi received his early education, making it a symbolically significant venue. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel cited Modi's life as an example of how education can help children from ordinary families achieve success.
How much has Gujarat's school dropout rate changed since 2003?
Gujarat's school dropout rate has fallen from 37% to under 1% since the Shala Praveshotsav campaign began in 2003, according to the Chief Minister. School enrolment in the state has simultaneously risen to nearly 100%.
What financial assistance do girls receive under Gujarat's education schemes?
Girls studying in Classes 9 to 12 receive ₹50,000 in financial assistance under the Namo Lakshmi scheme. Those opting for the science stream are additionally eligible for ₹25,000 under the Namo Saraswati scheme.
Who is affected by the Shala Praveshotsav drive?
The drive targets school-age children across Gujarat, with a focus on those who have dropped out or never enrolled. This year, 24 children in Vadnagar alone who had previously discontinued their education were identified and re-enrolled.
