TFP Bureau, Raipur, September 10,2025: Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai today launched the Atal Excellent Education Scheme at his official residence in Raipur, marking a significant step towards providing quality education to the children of construction workers in Chhattisgarh. The initiative, introduced by the Labour Department, will ensure free residential education for children of registered workers from Class 6 to 12 in reputed institutions across the state.
At the inaugural ceremony, CM Sai felicitated the first batch of selected students and extended his best wishes for their future. Announcing the expansion of the scheme, he declared that 200 children will be enrolled from the next academic session, doubling the number of beneficiaries.
Addressing the gathering, CM Sai said that the scheme opens a new chapter of opportunities for children of workers who, despite their tireless contribution to society, are often unable to provide adequate educational facilities for their families. “Labourers dedicate their lives to building society, yet their own children are deprived of opportunities. Every parent dreams that their child should study well and live with dignity. They do not want their sons and daughters to remain labourers in the future but to become IAS, IPS officers, doctors, engineers, chartered accountants, lawyers, and leaders. Keeping this aspiration in mind, and under the guarantee of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, our government has launched the Atal Excellent Education Scheme,” CM Sai said.
Under the scheme, 100 children have already been admitted this year to 14 reputed private residential schools in the state, following CBSE and ICSE curricula. The Labour Department will bear the entire expense of their schooling, including tuition, hostel, books, uniforms, and other essential needs.
The scheme has been warmly welcomed by workers and their families, who expressed joy at the initiative. Parents said that the programme had fulfilled their long-cherished dream of seeing their children study in prestigious institutions.
“This is a golden opportunity for our children. Earlier, we never imagined they could study in good schools. Now, with the government’s support, their future is secure,” one parent said.
Labour Minister Lakhhan Lal Dewangan, in his address, emphasized the transformative vision of the scheme. “Today, 100 children of worker families have secured admission in private residential schools, thanks to the Labour Department’s efforts. The government’s vision is that a worker’s child should not remain only a worker, but grow to become an officer and serve the nation. Along with this, the department is also running free coaching programmes, ensuring that children from worker families can compete in national-level examinations,” he said. Dewangan also highlighted that in the past 20 months alone, the Labour Department has disbursed nearly ₹600 crore directly to workers under various welfare schemes.
Dr. Rampratap Singh, Chairman of the Chhattisgarh Building and Other Construction Workers’ Welfare Board, described the scheme as a historic milestone. He noted that more than 30 lakh construction workers are registered in the state, but their children have long been deprived of opportunities in quality institutions. “This scheme is not just about education, it is about dignity and empowerment. It will uplift entire families and help break the cycle of poverty,” he said, while commending CM Sai’s leadership in carrying forward the ideals of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
The event was attended by Labour Department Secretary Him Shikhar Gupta, Joint Secretary Mrs. Fariha Alam, Welfare Board Secretary Girish Ramteke, as well as a large number of students and their guardians. The atmosphere was filled with hope and optimism as children and parents expressed gratitude for the opportunity.
With the launch of the Atal Excellent Education Scheme, the Chhattisgarh government has reinforced its commitment to inclusive development, ensuring that the children of those who build the state’s future are themselves equipped to lead it.
