The Uttar Pradesh government has launched a transformative educational initiative titled ‘Learning by Doing’, aimed at equipping students in government schools with hands-on vocational training. According to an official statement, the programme is designed to redefine education for students in Classes 6 to 8 by providing them with practical exposure in fields such as woodwork, metalwork, energy and environment, agriculture and horticulture, and health and nutrition.
Launched under the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan, the programme aligns with the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which stresses integrating vocational training and life skills into school curricula. The initiative reflects Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s vision of making Uttar Pradesh self-reliant by linking education with employability and real-life competencies.
To implement this vision effectively, the Basic Education Department has provided four-day multi-skilling training to science and mathematics teachers. This training prepares educators to guide students not only in academic subjects but also in essential life skills, thereby fostering holistic development.
In collaboration with UNICEF and Vigyan Ashram, the state has also developed a comprehensive teacher manual featuring 60 skill-based activities, which has been approved by the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT). This manual serves as a guide to help teachers deliver hands-on learning experiences in classrooms.
In the academic year 2024–25, the government will establish modern Learning by Doing (LBD) labs in 2,274 upper primary and composite schools across all 75 districts of the state. These labs will be equipped with 205 types of modern tools and apparatus, enabling a wide range of skill-building activities. School Management Committees (SMCs) have also been provided with consumables and raw materials to support the practical sessions.
The programme’s pilot phase, implemented in 60 schools across 15 districts, successfully trained 5,937 students in various trades. It led to a notable increase in student attendance and enthusiasm for learning, demonstrating the programme’s positive impact.
Looking ahead to 2025–26, the government plans to expand the initiative to 3,288 more schools under the Samagra Shiksha and PM SHRI schemes, with the goal of delivering vocational education benefits to lakhs of students and shaping a future-ready workforce across Uttar Pradesh.
