Gujarat's Mission School of Excellence 2.0 Aims to Uplift School Infrastructure

The Gujarat Government is advancing its educational infrastructure through the Mission School of Excellence 2.0, as confirmed by the Chief Minister's Office. This mission provides financial support to qualifying grant-in-aid secondary and higher secondary schools, improving facilities with an 80:20 funding split, where the larger share is covered by the state.

The initiative aligns with India's National Education Policy 2020, which seeks to enhance education beyond primary levels. By bolstering infrastructure, the government aims to ensure students not only access primary education but also complete their secondary education. This strategic move aims to overhaul school education across primary to higher secondary levels.

A considerable number of Gujarat's students attend these grant-in-aid schools, and the government anticipates a surge in enrollments. Under the guidance of Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, the state promises infrastructure aid, matching that of government schools, with a scheduled launch in the academic year 2025-26. Eligible schools can receive between Rs 10 lakh and Rs 1.5 crore, based on enrollment numbers, to improve their infrastructure.

Facilities funded by this aid include constructing new classrooms, libraries, laboratories, and special-purpose rooms. There is also a focus on inclusivity, with provisions for water facilities, toilets, and accessible infrastructure for students with disabilities. Schools are required to bear 20 percent of the infrastructure upgrade costs.

Eligible schools must submit funding proposals by September 30, 2025. This government-backed initiative seeks to alleviate the financial pressures on school managements in rural and tribal regions, fostering conducive learning environments. The governmental resolution substantiating this scheme aligns with broader educational goals.

(With inputs from agencies.)