Uttar Pradesh’s Operation Kayakalp aims to systematically improve government schools from the ground up, having commenced in 2018. The initiative establishes upgrades based on a specific 19-point standard to address long-standing infrastructure deficiencies. The state’s council schools have historically struggled with inadequate facilities, including a lack of toilets, safe drinking water, and even basic electrical services.

Operation Kayakalp has been implemented to rectify these gaps and ensure a conducive learning environment for students. The Uttar Pradesh government recognises that improving educational facilities is vital for the overall development of its youth, particularly in rural areas where resources have often been limited.

The initiative encompasses various critical areas, ensuring that each school meets the specified standards. Key components of the upgrades include the construction of classrooms, boundary walls, and gates, as well as the installation of separate toilets for students.The programme also focuses on providing electricity connections and enhancing lighting, thereby creating a more inviting atmosphere for learning.

Progress and Achievements of Operation Kayakalp

As of September 2025, the Uttar Pradesh government has reported that an impressive 97 per cent of the basic facilities outlined in Operation Kayakalp have been successfully developed across council schools. This includes a notable advance in the provision of furniture, with a previous assembly update revealing that 65 per cent of schools had received new furnishings, with a target of 100 per cent completion set for that fiscal year.

Currently, approximately 1.66 crore boys and girls are enrolled in the state’s council schools, highlighting the scale of Operation Kayakalp’s impact. The government has allocated a budget of Rs 1,000 crore for the 2024-25 period to ensure the initiative can continue to progress effectively.

To enhance transparency and accountability, each school’s upgrade initiatives are geo-tagged and documented under a photo protocol. Furthermore, real-time monitoring is conducted through the Prerna portal, allowing stakeholders to track the status of improvements systematically.

Project Alankar: Extending Improvements to Secondary Education

In addition to Operation Kayakalp, a complementary initiative known as Project Alankar aims to provide similar upgrades to secondary schools. This initiative covers 2,295 schools, evaluating them based on 27 distinct parameters. The upgrades include the installation of smart classrooms, computer labs, Wi-Fi connectivity, and modernised furniture.

Project Alankar also prioritises the safety and security of students by incorporating features such as CCTV cameras, fire safety equipment, and biometric attendance systems. This comprehensive approach reflects a commitment to not just education but also the well-being of students in secondary institutions.

Recognition for Operation Kayakalp has reached a national level, with NITI Aayog identifying it as a model programme worth replicating in other states across the country. Since August 2025, efforts have been made to pair under-enrolled schools, those with fewer than 50 students, with better-equipped neighbouring schools. This strategy aims to ensure that students from low-enrolment institutions still access improved facilities while the government evaluates options for these struggling campuses.

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