The Atal Awasiya Vidyalaya (AAV) programme has been launched in Uttar Pradesh to offer free residential schooling for children of registered construction workers. This initiative aims to provide uninterrupted education for these children, especially when their parents need to migrate for work opportunities. The initiative falls under the jurisdiction of the Uttar Pradesh Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board (UPBOCW), which operates within the Labour Department.

Details of the Schools and Their Features

Currently, there are 18 Atal Awasiya Vidyalayas established across the state, with one school located in each of Uttar Pradesh’s 18 divisions. These institutions serve as residential campuses for students from Class 6 to Class 12, following a curriculum affiliated with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE). The recent inauguration of sixteen of these schools by Prime Minister Narendra Modi took place in September 2023, with all 18 facilities reportedly built at a budget of approximately Rs 1,115 crore. Each campus is designed to accommodate up to 1,000 students.

Admissions for Class 6 and Class 9 are available, allowing students to continue their education in the same school until Class 12. The residential model ensures that education remains accessible and continuous, even as families relocate for employment purposes.

Eligibility for admission primarily targets the children of construction workers registered with the UPBOCW. Additionally, children orphaned due to the Covid-19 pandemic and other specified groups can also seek admission. Key criteria include: the child must be a dependent of a registered construction worker whose details meet specific requirements, and a family can apply for no more than two children. Notably, 50 per cent of seats are reserved for female candidates. Entrance examinations are conducted for admission into Class 6 and Class 9, with specific eligibility conditions which may change yearly.

Facilities and Support Offered

The Atal Awasiya Vidyalayas not only provide education but also a range of residential services. Students are offered accommodation, meals, uniforms, and textbooks, and they have access to sports and extracurricular activities. Each campus features dedicated hostels for boys and girls, classrooms, laboratories, playgrounds, dining areas, medical support, and housing for staff. This comprehensive infrastructure is designed to cater to around 1,000 students at every school.

The aim of this initiative is to deliver a stable and supportive learning environment for children whose families experience mobility due to work-related demands, thereby promoting continuity in their education.

Applications for admission are announced through formal notifications corresponding to the academic year. Details regarding the application process and requirements are provided through the Labour Department, district offices, and the AAV framework. While the application process may vary annually, recent notifications have indicated the necessity of providing documentation related to the parent’s construction-worker registration, as well as age and identity verification for the child. Prospective applicants should refer to the admission notifications for accurate eligibility criteria, deadlines, and documentation in the respective academic year.

Conclusion of the Programme

The Atal Awasiya Vidyalayas currently operate throughout Uttar Pradesh, ensuring access to quality education and comprehensive boarding facilities for eligible children, extending through Class 12. This initiative represents a significant step towards supporting the educational needs of children affected by the fluctuating nature of employment in the construction sector.

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