The Madhya Pradesh government has launched an intensive enrolment campaign ahead of the reopening of government schools on 16 June, targeting 100 per cent school enrolment, the reintegration of dropout children, and improved learning outcomes for the new academic session. The initiative, announced on 15 June, combines two concurrent drives — the second phase of the 'School Chalein Hum' campaign and a statewide 'Shala Prarambh Utsav' (School Reopening Festival) — running across all government schools from 16 June to 30 June.

Key Developments in the Campaign

The School Education Department has directed district and block-level officials to ensure every eligible child is enrolled before the session begins. Lists of out-of-school and dropout children have already been compiled and distributed to teachers and field officials for direct follow-up. 'Special efforts are being made to identify and bring back children who are out of school so that every child receives access to education,' the government said in an official statement.

A dedicated module has been introduced in the Child Tracking System of the Hamare Shikshak App to flag students whose class promotion is pending and ensure their records are updated before the session opens. District and block officials have been tasked with monitoring school-wise enrolment progress closely.

Focus on Learning Quality and Mission Ankur

Beyond enrolment numbers, the state has placed equal emphasis on foundational learning. A special action plan under 'Mission Ankur' will be implemented to strengthen foundational literacy and numeracy among early-grade students. Learning gaps identified through the FLN Survey 2025 will be addressed through targeted academic interventions tailored to individual school needs.

'Along with enrolment, equal attention is being given to learning quality, textbook distribution and basic facilities in schools,' an official stated. This signals a deliberate shift from mere headcount targets toward measurable learning outcomes — a recurring challenge in India's public education system.

Textbook Distribution and Infrastructure Checks

The department has mandated the timely distribution of free textbooks to all students. The movement of textbooks — from state depots to individual schools and finally to students — will be tracked in real time via Education Portal 3.0. Schools have also been instructed to verify the availability of clean drinking water, functional girls' toilets, running water, and other essential amenities before students return to classrooms.

Shala Prarambh Utsav: Community Engagement

As part of the Shala Prarambh Utsav, students will participate in Bal Sabhas and special welcome activities to mark the start of the new session. Parents of newly enrolled children will be invited to schools and briefed on government schemes and educational facilities available to them. Senior officers nominated by district collectors will visit schools and interact with students throughout the campaign period, adding an accountability layer to the initiative.

With dropout identification, digital tracking, and community outreach running simultaneously, the state's approach represents one of its most coordinated school reopening efforts in recent years. Whether execution on the ground matches the scale of the plan will be the defining test of the campaign.