In a time of rapid progress, few leaders possess the ability to blend traditional values with modern strategies to create lasting impact. Mr. Awanish Kumar Awasthi, Chief Advisor to the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, exemplifies this rare leadership quality. His profound vision for transforming education and advancing state development is driven by a commitment to excellence and a deep understanding of Uttar Pradesh’s socio-economic landscape.
At the New Age Summit 2024, held on 31st August 2024 at the Hilton Garden Inn, Lucknow, Mr. Awasthi shared his thoughts on two pivotal elements for the state's future growth: education and skill development. He emphasized the importance of quality education, especially in primary schools, and highlighted the urgent need to address systemic challenges. Referring to the role of former Deputy Chief Minister Dr. Dinesh Sharma, who was present at the event, Mr. Awasthi acknowledged his foundational contributions to the education sector. Mr. Sharma’s leadership in ensuring the integrity of public examinations and pushing forward initiatives like the Nipun Bharat campaign laid a strong groundwork, which Mr. Awasthi is determined to build upon.
The Path to Quality Education One of the key messages in Mr. Awasthi’s address was the significance of ensuring quality outcomes in education. “Right to Education,” he noted, has made basic education accessible to all, but he argued that access without quality would not yield the desired results. His vision is to make Uttar Pradesh a model state in terms of educational excellence, starting with nurturing the youngest minds. Mr. Awasthi spoke passionately about the state's efforts to provide essential infrastructure, such as well-maintained schools with clean facilities and modern classrooms, even in rural areas.
A landmark initiative in this journey has been the strict enforcement of copy-free exams, a task that Dr. Dinesh Sharma championed. Mr. Awasthi reiterated that upholding the credibility of academic evaluations is crucial for maintaining trust in the education system.
Skill Development for Economic Growth In his speech, Mr. Awasthi did not limit his focus to education alone. He spoke at length about how skill development is equally important for Uttar Pradesh’s advancement. He pointed out that the state’s youth, if equipped with the right skills, could drive significant progress in sectors like agriculture, infrastructure, and healthcare. His vision aligns closely with the Skill India initiative, where skilling and vocational training are not just about employment but about empowering individuals to contribute meaningfully to the economy.
The state government, under Mr. Awasthi’s guidance, has initiated several programs aimed at upgrading the state's Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) in collaboration with leading private companies such as Tata. He believes that skilling the youth with practical, job-oriented knowledge is critical to Uttar Pradesh’s ability to compete on a national and global level.
Bridging Public and Private Sector Education Mr. Awasthi also touched on the often-overlooked challenge of aligning public and private education sectors. While private schools continue to thrive in rural and urban regions, many of them remain unregulated, creating disparities in quality and outcomes. His vision includes a framework for legalizing and regulating these non-affiliated private institutions to bring them into the fold of quality assurance. This will help create a more balanced and equitable educational environment for all students, whether in private or government-run schools.
A Future Built on Education and Skills Looking ahead, Mr. Awasthi expressed his unwavering belief in Uttar Pradesh’s potential to emerge as a leader in education and skill-based development. His roadmap includes establishing model schools in every district and eventually extending them to the block level, ensuring that no child is deprived of quality education. In higher education, he proudly announced the establishment of new medical and technical institutions across the state, ensuring that previously underserved regions now have access to the best educational facilities.
As Mr. Awasthi concluded his remarks, his message was clear: education is the foundation of Uttar Pradesh’s future, and only by investing in the quality and breadth of educational and skill development programs can the state achieve its full potential. His vision transcends immediate reforms; it is about creating a legacy where Uttar Pradesh’s children and youth can aspire to greater heights and contribute to the state’s transformation into a hub of excellence.
The stage is set for Uttar Pradesh to not only become an educational leader but also a beacon of skill-based development, where youth are empowered to create a thriving, self-sustaining future. Under Mr. Awasthi's visionary leadership, the state's development roadmap is firmly in place, paving the way for a brighter and more prosperous tomorrow.
