Vidya Kumbh for kids of sanitation workers

From France, in search of salvation

- Kenneth John

MAHAKUMBH NAGAR (PRAYAGRAJ): The state basic education department has established five "Vidya Kumbh" primary schools equipped with all basic amenities for the children of 15,000 sanitation workers who are toiling to keep the Mahakumbh mela ground clean in Prayagraj.

The initiative aims to provide free and quality education to the children of working families.

Under the scheme, five primary schools have been opened in the fair area.

They are Vidya Kumbh Primary School, Sector-1, Sector-2, Sector-7, Sector-10 and Sector-13, where education is being provided to these children.

According to the basic education department, so far around 500 students have been registered and the target is to reach out to 1000 kids.

Facilities in these schools

In these schools, interesting and holistic education is being given through digital classrooms, educational kits and learning through play. Children have been provided books, pencils, copies, school uniforms, sweaters and other educational materials under the 'Umang Kit'. Along with this, a special educational kit called 'Gyan Ka Pitara' has also been given.

Taking to X on Sunday, basic education minister Sandeep Singh wrote, "On the auspicious occasion of Maha Kumbh-2025-great festival of 'religion, culture and faith'-the Uttar Pradesh government remained dedicated to education and is engaged in rebuilding society and paving the way for a bright future for the coming generation."

Akanksha Rana, officer on special duty for the Kumbh Mela Authority, said, "(Maha) Kumbh area has been divided into 25 sectors. Our plan is to establish one Vidya Kumbh in each of these sectors depending on space. The idea is to ensure that children of sanitation workers do not miss on their education because their parents have arrived here to keep Kumbh ground clean for millions of devotees."