UP launches ‘Learning by Doing’ to boost skills in govt schools

The Uttar Pradesh government has rolled out a statewide initiative titled 'Learning by Doing' to transform classroom learning in government schools through hands-on, skill-based education.

Aimed at students from classes 6 to 8, the program offers practical training in areas such as woodwork, metalwork, agriculture, energy and environment, horticulture, and health and nutrition.

"In line with the National Education Policy 2020, this program provides students from classes 6 to 8 with practical training in diverse fields such as woodwork, metalwork, energy and environment, agriculture and horticulture, and health and nutrition," the government said in an official statement.

Implemented under the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan, the initiative reflects Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s ongoing push to link education with employability and life skills.

He has emphasized the need for self-reliance and empowerment through integrated skill education.

"Acting on this vision, the Basic Education Department has provided four-day multi-skilling training to science and mathematics teachers, enabling them to prepare students for real-life challenges alongside academics," the statement said.

With technical support from UNICEF and Vigyan Ashram, a manual featuring 60 skill-based activities has been developed and approved by the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) for use in classrooms.

In the 2024-25 academic year, the program will be expanded through the establishment of Learning by Doing (LBD) labs in 2,274 upper primary and composite schools across all 75 districts of the state.

Each lab will include 205 types of tools and equipment, and School Management Committees (SMCs) have been equipped with consumables and raw materials to support ongoing activities.

The pilot phase of the program, launched in 60 schools across 15 districts, trained 5,937 students in various trades.

According to the government, this led to improved student attendance and increased interest in classroom learning.

In the 2025-26 academic year, the initiative is expected to reach another 3,288 schools through support from Samagra Shiksha and the PM SHRI scheme.

"This expansion will provide vocational education benefits to lakhs of students across the state," the statement added.

The government emphasized that the program not only builds technical and practical skills but also fosters respect for manual work.

A significant achievement of the initiative has been the active participation of girls in traditionally male-dominated fields like electrical work, engineering, and workshop-based activities, helping to promote gender equality in education.

"The initiative is not only nurturing skilled, self-reliant citizens but also laying the groundwork for a strong and self-sustaining Uttar Pradesh, in line with the Skill India Mission," said Minister of Basic Education Sandeep Singh.