Tourism Minister Rajesh Agrawal welcomes new students, distributes study materials and bicycles, says every child deserves quality education
TFP Bureau, Raipur, July 21,2026: Chhattisgarh’s Surguja district marked the beginning of the 2026-27 academic session with a vibrant district-level Shala Pravesh Utsav (School Enrollment Festival), reaffirming the state’s commitment to ensuring quality education for every child. The event, held at the P.G. College Auditorium, witnessed the ceremonial welcome of newly enrolled students and the distribution of educational materials, bicycles and awards to outstanding teachers and literacy volunteers.
Tourism, Culture, Religious Trusts and Endowments Minister Rajesh Agrawal inaugurated the programme by ringing the school bell and warmly welcoming newly admitted children with tilak, garlands and sweets. Addressing students, parents and teachers, he said education is the key to success and no child should be deprived of the opportunity to learn.
“The government’s objective is not only to enroll children in schools but also to ensure their regular attendance, quality education and overall development,” the Minister said. He reiterated the government’s resolve to eliminate school dropouts and ensure that every child, especially those from remote and tribal areas, remains connected to education.
Highlighting the importance of education in tribal-dominated Surguja, Agrawal praised the efforts being made to bring children from Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs), including the Pahadi Korwa community, into the mainstream education system. He encouraged students to study sincerely and make their families, district and state proud while urging parents to provide equal educational opportunities to both boys and girls.
Chhattisgarh State Youth Commission Chairman Vishwa Vijay Singh Tomar inspired students to remain dedicated to their studies and pursue excellence, while Chhattisgarh Housing Board Chairman Anurag Singh Deo said the School Enrollment Festival helps remove the fear of school among young children and creates a positive learning environment. Bharat Singh Sisodia appealed to teachers to impart strong moral values along with academic knowledge.
District Collector Ajit Vasant highlighted several educational initiatives undertaken in Surguja, including the construction of new school buildings, issuance of caste certificates to students, admission of PVTG children to higher classes and enrolment of medical and engineering aspirants in private coaching institutes in Raipur. He also said guest teachers are being appointed to strengthen teaching capacity and emphasized the vital role of primary school teachers in shaping children’s futures.
During the programme, students admitted to Classes 1, 6 and 9 received free uniforms, textbooks, notebooks, school bags and other learning materials under various government schemes, aimed at encouraging school attendance and improving learning outcomes.
In another major initiative, 21 eligible girl students were provided bicycles under the state’s bicycle distribution scheme. Agrawal said the programme not only makes commuting to school easier for girls but also promotes confidence, independence and higher educational participation among them.
The event also recognised excellence in education. Twenty-one teachers were honoured with the Shiksha Doot Puraskar (Education Ambassador Award), while three teachers received the Gyan Deep Puraskar (Lamp of Knowledge Award) for their outstanding contribution during the 2025-26 academic year. Retired teachers and education department personnel were also felicitated for their dedicated service.
Volunteers associated with the Ullas Navbharat Literacy Programme, who played a key role in promoting adult literacy, were honoured for their contribution to making non-literate citizens literate. Participants also took a literacy pledge, reaffirming their commitment to spreading education and eliminating illiteracy across society.
The programme was attended by Municipal Corporation Mayor Manjusha Bhagat, District Panchayat President Nirupa Singh, District Panchayat Vice-President Devnarayan Yadav, Ambikapur Municipal Corporation Chairman Harminder Singh Tinni, public representatives, education officials, teachers, students and parents.
The School Enrollment Festival concluded with a strong message that the combined efforts of the government, administration, teachers, parents and society are essential to ensuring that every child receives quality education and the opportunity to build a brighter future.
