Basic Education Minister responded to opposition's

allegations in Legislative Council, saying confusion being spread regarding pairing

of schools

Facilities on 19 parameters increased from 36 to 96 percent,

more than 1.43 crore students enrolled, 71,877 Bal Vatikas operational

Lucknow, August 04 (HS): In the Uttar Pradesh Legislative

Council, regarding allegations of closing council schools, Minister of State

for Basic Education (Independent Charge) Sandeep Singh clarified that the state

government has not decided to close any council school. He said that the

opposition is spreading confusion regarding the pairing of schools. The

government has taken steps to improve the education system and available

resources. After positive results in class three under the Nipun Bharat

Mission, it has been expanded to class five.

Minister Singh said that in 2019, a decision was made to

administratively integrate 25,578 schools operating on the same campus. Many

campuses housed schools for grades one through five and six through eight,

while in some locations, two primary schools operated on the same campus.

Separate teachers and resources had to be arranged for each school. The

decision to operate such schools as composite schools for grades one through

eight was taken to better utilize resources and provide better facilities to

children.

The Basic Education Minister stated that the U-DISE codes of

schools with fewer than 50 students and within a one-kilometer radius for which

the pairing decision was made have not been terminated. Bal Vatikas are being

operated there. Currently, 71,877 Bal Vatikas are operating in the state, and a

new curriculum has been developed for them. To strengthen elementary education,

19,484 ECCE educators have been appointed.

Minister Singh told the House that before 2017, a large

number of schools lacked basic facilities. The government, through Operation

Kayakalp, significantly improved school infrastructure. School progress on 19

prescribed parameters was approximately 36 percent in 2017, but has now increased

to 96 percent. Digital education has been promoted through smart classrooms.

The Human Resource Portal is being used to make teacher-related work

transparent and streamlined.

Minister Sandeep Singh said that the government's efforts

have increased parents' confidence in council education. A total of 14.33

million students, including 73.94 lakh girls, are enrolled in the 2025-26

academic year. Textbooks are being made available to children on time. Rs. 1,200

per student is being transferred directly to parents' accounts through DBT for

prescribed materials, including uniforms.

The Basic Education Minister said that the government has

also taken important decisions in the interest of Shikshamitras and

instructors. The honorarium of Shikshamitras has been increased from Rs. 10,000

to 18,000, and that of instructors from Rs. 9,000 to 17,000. Cashless medical

facilities have also been made available for teachers and staff, benefiting

12,28,587 people.

Minister Singh stated that a requisition for the appointment

of 11,508 teachers has been submitted to strengthen the availability of

teachers in urban areas. The government operates Atal Residential Schools for

children from working class families. Additionally, two CM Model Composite

Schools are being developed in each district. Sandeep Singh stated that the

government's goal is not to close schools, but to strengthen resources to

provide better education and a brighter future to children from poor and

disadvantaged families.

Hindusthan Samachar / Abhishek Awasthi