State PCS - Uttar Pradesh (UP PCS)

• 09 Jul 2025

HC Rejects Petitions Against UP Government’s School Merger Order

Why in News? 

The Allahabad High Court dismissed petitions challenging the state government’s order for the merger of government-run primary schools and upper primary schools. 

• The petitioners argued that the move violates the Right to Education (RTE) Act 2009, hinders children's education, and increases social inequality.

Key Points

• High Court Decision: 
  • The court ruled that policy decisions cannot be challenged unless they are unconstitutional or arbitrary. 
    • The court asserted that pairing (merger) of schools does not violate Article 21A of the Constitution. 
      • Article 21A guarantees the right to education as a fundamental right for children between the ages of 6 and 14 years. 
    • The government’s step is constitutional, legally valid, and intended to enhance educational quality and resource efficiency. 
  • Background: 
    • In June 2025, the Uttar Pradesh Basic Education Department issued an order stating that schools with fewer than 50 students would be merged into nearby schools from July 2025. 
    • The government aimed to improve the quality of education and ensure optimal use of resources by shifting these students to upper primary or composite schools. 
• Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009: 
  • The RTE Act aims to provide primary education to all children aged 6 to 14 years. 
  • Section 12(1)(c) mandates that non-minority private unaided schools should reserve at least 25% of seats in entry-level grades for children from economically weaker and disadvantaged backgrounds. 
  • It also makes provisions for a non-admitted child to be admitted to an age appropriate class. 
  • It also states about the sharing of financial and other responsibilities between the Central and State Governments. 
    • Education in the Indian constitution is a concurrent issue and both centre and states can legislate on the issue. 
  • It lays down the norms and standards related to: Pupil Teacher Ratios (PTRs), Buildings and infrastructure, School-working days, Teacher-working hours. 
  • It also provides for the prohibition of deployment of teachers for non-educational work, other than decennial census, elections to local authority, state legislatures and parliament, and disaster relief. 
  • It provides for the appointment of teachers with the requisite entry and academic qualifications. 
  • It prohibits: 
    • Physical punishment and mental harassment 
    • Screening procedures for admission of children 
    • Capitation fee 
    • Private tuition by teachers 
    • Running of schools without recognition 

ASMITA 2025

Why in News? 

The Union Sports Minister launched the 2025 season of the ASMITA League in Modinagar, Uttar Pradesh. The season started with a two-day weightlifting event. 

• Tokyo Olympics silver medallist Mirabai Chanu was among the host of dignitaries who were present at the inauguration of the ASMITA weightlifting league.

Key Points 

• ASMITA:  
  • About:  
    • ASMITA (Achieving Sports Milestone by Inspiring Women) is part of Khelo India’s mission to promote gender-neutral sports culture. 
    • The Sports Authority of India (SAI) supports National Sports Federations in conducting these leagues across multiple age groups at the zonal and national levels. 
    • Launched in 2021, ASMITA aims to boost women’s participation in sports and act as a nationwide talent identification platform. 
    • The mission is to create opportunities at every level, spot talent, and nurture it. 
  • ASMITA in FY 2025–26: 
    • In the financial year 2025–26, a total of 852 ASMITA leagues are scheduled to be conducted across 15 different sports disciplines. 
    • These leagues, spread across states and Union Territories, will involve over 70,000 female athletes. 
      • In comparison, the previous season saw 550 leagues across 27 disciplines, with 53,101 female participants. 
• School Sports and National Calendar Integration: 
  • Under the National Sports Policy 2025, integrated with the National Education Policy (NEP), the government is promoting school-level sports. 
    • These efforts will be reflected in the Khelo India national sports calendar, ensuring continuous opportunities for youth.

Khelo India Initiative 

• About:  
  • It is a national-level multi-disciplinary sports competition for school and college students in India.  
  • The Prime Minister launched the first edition of the Khelo India School Games at the Indira Gandhi Arena in New Delhi in the year 2018.  
  • In the year 2019, its name was changed to Khelo India Youth Games.   
  • It aims to promote sports culture and recognise sporting talent at the grassroots level. 
• Khelo India Youth Games 2025:  
  • It was organised in five districts of Bihar (Patna, Rajgir, Begusarai, Gaya and Bhagalpur).  
    • The three major events – gymnastics, shooting and cycling – were held in New Delhi.  
  • Gajasimha was the mascot of the 2025 year's game.  
  • The 12-day event took place across 27 sports, with a total of 285 gold medals awarded.