Since 2018, the Kayakalp operation has been modernizing government schools in Uttar Pradesh according to a set of 19 basic amenity standards, and this project has been recognized by the National Planning Commission as an example of a successful initiative.
For a long time, many government primary and secondary schools in Uttar Pradesh suffered from a lack of basic infrastructure. These schools lacked toilets, drinking water, fencing, proper seating, and even electricity.
The Uttar Pradesh government launched the Kayakalp operation in 2018 with the aim of transforming this situation to bring schools up to specific standards.
As part of this initiative, schools are being assessed and modernized based on 19 key criteria.
A parallel initiative, named Project Alankar, is extending similar modernization to secondary schools. Under this project, 2295 schools were evaluated against 27 standards. These standards include elements such as modern classrooms, computer labs, Wi-Fi, science laboratories, and modern furniture, as well as safety systems, including CCTV cameras, fire safety equipment, and biometric attendance systems.
The National Planning Commission named the Kayakalp operation a model initiative that can be replicated in other parts of the country. Furthermore, starting in August 2025, schools with low enrollment (fewer than 50 students) will be merged with neighboring schools that have better facilities to ensure student access to quality resources, while the government will conduct a reassessment of these small educational institutions.