Project Alankar is a flagship initiative launched by Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath on October 1, 2021, under the state department of secondary education. The scheme aims to transform government secondary schools across the state by upgrading their infrastructure to create modern, attractive and student-friendly learning environments.The initiative focuses on providing schools with facilities such as smart classrooms equipped with digital boards, science and computer laboratories, libraries, new and renovated classrooms, hygienic toilets, clean drinking water, boundary walls, electrification, solar panels, rainwater harvesting systems, CCTV surveillance and other safety features.It also includes playgrounds and vocational training spaces. In a later phase, the scheme was expanded to renovate government-aided Sanskrit schools, combining heritage preservation with modern educational infrastructure.
Vision behind the scheme
Project Alankar, named after the Hindi word meaning “to adorn” or “beautify”, reflects the Uttar Pradesh government’s vision of converting ageing government schools into modern institutions capable of delivering quality education. The initiative seeks to strengthen public confidence in government schools by improving infrastructure, promoting digital learning, supporting both traditional and modern education, and creating facilities comparable to those available in private institutions.The scheme is part of the state’s broader education strategy aimed at improving enrolment, learning outcomes and inclusive access to quality education while positioning Uttar Pradesh as a model for school infrastructure development.
Objectives
The scheme has been designed with the following key objectives:Achieve 100 per cent compliance with 35 infrastructure and facility standards across around 2,441 government secondary schools.Improve the quality of education by strengthening school infrastructure and ensuring the availability of essential amenities.
Major components
Project Alankar includes a wide range of infrastructure and academic interventions, including:
- Construction and renovation of classrooms.
- Smart classrooms with digital teaching facilities.
- Science, computer and STEM laboratories.
- Libraries and ICT-enabled learning spaces.
- Safe drinking water and separate hygienic toilets, particularly for girls.
- Boundary walls, electricity, furniture and other essential facilities.
- Upgradation of selected institutions as Chief Minister Model Schools and Chief Minister Abhyudaya Schools.
- Renovation of old Sanskrit schools under the expanded phase of the project.
Funding
The scheme is financed through multiple funding sources, including:
- Uttar Pradesh government
- Samagra Shiksha
- Gram Panchayats and urban local bodies
- Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) contributions
- Community participation and donations
Impact
According to the state government, Project Alankar has led to the upgradation of hundreds of government secondary schools with improved infrastructure. The initiative has also contributed to better enrolment, attendance and learning conditions.The scheme has been highlighted as a governance best practice at national forums, including meetings of NDA chief ministers, with several states expressing interest in adopting a similar model.
