Prayagraj: In a significant step towards strengthening govt school education in Uttar Pradesh, experts from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur and Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology (MNNIT) will guide teachers and students across the state.

This initiative, sanctioned under the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan, was approved during the project approval board meeting for the 2025-26 academic session held on April 9 by Department of School Education and Literacy, Ministry of Education. A budget allocation of approximately Rs 49 lakh has been earmarked for this transformative programme.

The aim of this scheme is multifaceted as it includes providing robust technical and educational support to govt school teachers, while simultaneously inspiring children to develop a keen interest in science, mathematics, and technical education. The initiative seeks to foster a nurturing environment for learning and innovation in 44,499 council schools through the Rashtriya Avishkar Abhiyan, where experts from IIT Kanpur and MNNIT will conduct training sessions and workshops.

Aligned with the National Education Policy 2020’s focus on inclusivity, innovation, and quality education, the programme promises regular teacher training, science and technology workshops for students, promotion of project-based learning, and enhanced utilisation of digital devices in classrooms.

These efforts aim to bridge the educational divide and equip students with the skills needed to thrive in a technology-driven world. Moreover, the Online Rural Education Initiative (OREI) by IIT-Kanpur, also approved in this session, will see student volunteers reaching out to remote rural schools, imparting science and mathematics education through virtual platforms.

Adding to experiential learning opportunities, last year a five-day educational tour was organised for students from across Uttar Pradesh, including visits to premier national science institutions like ISRO, Satish Dhawan Space Center Sriharikota, IIT campuses, Science Parks, and Museums. This approach uplifts govt school education and creates a pipeline of motivated, technically skilled students ready to contribute to India’s growth. In a similar vein, students at MNNIT have been involved in grassroots educational initiatives.