governance notes for 17 February 2026

Operation Kayakalp is a flagship initiative launched by the Uttar Pradesh government with the goal of upgrading the infrastructure and basic facilities in government-run primary and upper primary schools.

Operation Kayakalp Background 

Before Operation Kayakalp, many government schools in Uttar Pradesh had poor and unsafe infrastructure. Basic facilities such as toilets, drinking water, boundary walls, proper seating, lighting, and ventilation were often missing, and schools lacked libraries, labs, and playgrounds. These problems reduced attendance and learning outcomes. To address these issues and rebuild trust in public education, the state government launched Operation Kayakalp.

Operation Kayakalp Objectives

Main objectives of Operation Kayakalp are:

• To improve the basic infrastructure of government schools.
• To provide safe, clean, and child-friendly learning environments.
• To ensure schools meet a 19-point infrastructure standard.
• To increase student attendance and reduce dropouts.
• To restore public confidence in government education.

Operation Kayakalp Key Features

Key features of Operation kayakalp are:

• Operation Kayakalp was launched in 2018.
• It aims to upgrade the infrastructure and basic facilities in government-run primary and upper primary schools.
• Operation Kayakalp is implemented through a structured 19-point parameter framework. Schools are assessed and upgraded based on these parameters.
• 19-point parameters include provisions such as functional and gender-specific toilets, safe drinking water, electrification with fans, boundary walls, and well-maintained classrooms. Additional elements like proper furniture for students and teachers, school libraries, smart classrooms, kitchen gardens to promote nutrition awareness, sports facilities, and overall beautification, including painting and greening, are also part of this agenda.
• Operation Kayakalp is primarily implemented by the state's Education Department. 
• It is implemented in convergence with national initiatives like Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan, along with support from Panchayati Raj Institutions.
• Schools that wish to enrol for the scheme can do so through the Basic Shiksha Parishad’s online portal. Once registered, they are assessed on infrastructure gaps, and a phased plan is initiated for transformation.
• In addition, CSR partners and public representatives are encouraged to adopt schools and support them in achieving the 19-point agenda.
• For the authenticity and transparency of the work of rejuvenation, geo-tagging is being done under the photo protocol of each school.
• Real time monitoring of the saturation of these works is also being done continuously through the Prerna portal.

Operation Kayakalp Outcomes

• Around 1.26 lakh government schools across all 75 districts of Uttar Pradesh have been upgraded.
• About 96% of these schools now meet the 19-point Kayakalp standards, providing cleaner, safer, and more functional learning environments.
• Nearly 2 crore students are directly benefiting from improved school facilities.
• Attendance levels have increased, and dropout rates have declined, particularly among girls.
• In several districts, parents are showing greater trust in government schools, with some even shifting children from private institutions.
• Teachers have observed better classroom participation, higher engagement, and improved learning outcomes.
• Over 50,000 individuals and organisations have contributed through CSR initiatives, community support, and school adoption efforts.
• The initiative has revived community confidence in public education and created model schools that promote pride and enthusiasm among students and parents.