During the conclave 'Defining Years of Transforming UP', Sandeep Singh, the basic education minister of Uttar Pradesh, detailed the remarkable transformation of government schools in the state over the last nine years. He reported that 96% of schools now provide essential facilities such as drinking water and separate washrooms for boys and girls. Additionally, 31,878 schools have implemented smart classrooms, while 14,988 schools have established Information and Communication Technology (ICT) labs. Singh emphasized the importance of empowering girls through education, noting that 746 Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas have been upgraded to include higher classes, providing a safe environment for girls to learn. He criticized previous governments for their neglect of the education system, attributing the past failures to political corruption and a lack of transparency. Singh asserted that the current government's focus on education is not just about infrastructure but is also about building trust among parents and laying a strong foundation for a 'New India'. He concluded by stating that education has evolved from a mere political tool to a powerful instrument for nation-building.