LUCKNOW, March 9 -- More than 31.9 million children are enrolled in Classes 1 to 8 across the state, including 15.1 million girls, reflecting rising awareness about girls' education in Uttar Pradesh, state basic education minister (independent charge) Sandeep Singh said on Sunday. Speaking at the 'Pragati: From Self-Respect to Equality - Bal Utsav' organised by the basic education department, Singh highlighted government initiatives for girls' education, noting that 746 Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas (KGBVs) are operational in the state and are being upgraded to Class 12 in phases. The government also plans to establish such schools in all 826 development blocks. Additional chief secretary (basic and secondary education) Partha Sarthi Sen Sharma, DG of school education, Monica Rani, UNICEF UP chief Zakari Adam, along with senior officials from the education department were also present. htc...