Uttarakhand State PCS

• 05 Oct 2021

National Security Act

Why in News

• The Uttarakhand government has extended the National Security Act (NSA) in the state for another three months in view of the recent unrest and violence in some parts of the state.

Key Points

• According to the order issued by Anand Vardhan, Additional Chief Secretary of the state, various anti-social elements are trying to obstruct the security of the state by indulging in adverse activities, due to which the NSA has been expanded.
• Under this Act, the District Magistrates (DMs) will have the power to take action against those who can cause violence and disturb the peace in their respective districts till December 31.
• It is noteworthy that the state government had implemented this act on June 4 this year.
• It is believed that the recent farmers' agitation, increasing aggression of political parties in the wake of upcoming elections in the state and law and order issues prompted the state government to expand the NSA.

Expansion of Education Scholarship Programmes

Why in News

• Recently, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has issued a mandate to increase Dr. Shivanand Nautiyal Scholarship from Rs. 250 per month to Rs. 1500 per month and State Merit/Sridev Suman Scholarship from Rs. 150 per month to Rs. 1000 per month.

Key Points

• Dr. Shivanand Nautiyal Scholarship which was earlier given to 11 children, will now be provided to 100 children.
• Under the 'State Merit/Sridev Suman Scholarship Scheme', every year 475 students (5 students from each development block) from across the state will be given the benefit of this scholarship.
• Both these scholarships are administered by the Department of School Education, Uttarakhand.