On PM Narendra Modi’s birthday, UP BJP MLAs & top officials will head to government schools

NEW DELHI: PM Narendra Modi’s birthday this year will be celebrated in a unique way in Uttar Pradesh. BJP MLAs will visit government primary schools and spend the day with children talking about the PM’s vision of a new India, senior party leaders told ET. BJP has 311 MLAs in the 403-member Assembly. Party leaders said all MLAs have been asked to pick one primary school to visit on September 16 or September 18 as the PM’s birthday, September 17, is on a Sunday.

The MLAs will not only distribute sweets in these schools but also take stock of facilities. They will also talk about the PM’s vision of a new India and his programmes such as Swachh Bharat, party leaders said. “It is unfortunate that in the last 15 years, government schools in the state have been reduced to just places where mid-day meals are provided.

We want our lawmakers to go to these schools and engage with the students, review the facilities and visit as many times as possible in a year,” said Satish Mahana, minister for industrial development. He said all senior officials — not just MLAs — but even senior police officials and bureaucrats are being encouraged by the state government to visit schools as frequently as possible. “We cancelled 15 holidays this year because children mostly didn’t know whose birthday was being honoured on that particular days. They all used to think it is another Sunday. This time we want to tell them about the PM and his vision.”

UP BJP spokes person Chandramohan said this decision was taken considering that the PM and CM Yogi Adityanath had stressed on improving facilities for children. “Children are the future of the country and there is no better time to groom them, tell them how important they are for the future of the country.” He added that regular visits by MLAs to schools will also ensure the administration and teachers do their work properly.

Recently ,the party also held a samanya gyaan pratiyogita (GK test) for all schools in the State where children were tested on their knowledge of Indian history, ancient traditions, society and achievements of famous Indians.