Uttar Pradesh State PCS

• 10 Apr 2024

Government Disbursed Funds for Underprivileged Kids Education

Why in News?

Recently, the state government, under the Right of Free and Compulsory Education Act or Right to Education Act, 2009, has disbursed funds exceeding Rs 250 crore for the education expenses of more than 3.25 lakh underprivileged children attending private schools.

Key Points

• Each child from the disadvantaged and weaker sections enrolled in private schools under the RTE will receive a monthly budget allocation of Rs 450.
• This initiative aims to support the educational needs of these children and ensure their access to quality education.
• In adherence to RTE Act, aspirations of 35,666 students, the highest number hailing from Lucknow district have been realized as they pursue their studies in private schools.
• In addition to covering the fees, the government also provides Rs 5,000 annually per child for educational materials like books, notebooks, and uniforms.

Educational Initiatives by UP Government

• Atal Awasiya Vidyalaya Yojana: This initiative launched to provide free education to children of construction workers employed in the informal sector. Under this scheme, two children of registered workers between the ages of 6 and 16 receive free residential education in dedicated schools.
• Mahadevi Verma Shramik Pustak Kraya Dhan Yojana (MVSPKDPY): Launched in 2022, is a commendable initiative aimed at empowering daughters of construction workers.
• SC/ST Pre Matric Scholarship: This scholarship program recognises the importance of education in empowering students from marginalised communities and aims to bridge the financial gap that might otherwise hinder their academic progress.

Allahabad High Court to Hear Plea for Mathura Mosque Removal

Why in News?

The Allahabad high court has fixed a date for hearing a plea regarding the removal of the Shahi Idgah mosque in Mathura , which stands adjacent to the Krishna Janmasthan temple.

Key Points

• The suits filed by Bhagwan Shrikrishna Virajman at Katra Keshav Dev Khewat and 17 others claim that the mosque was built on 13.37-acre land of Katra Keshav Deo temple.
• History of the Disputed Land:
  • Raja Veer Singh Bundela of Orchha had also built a temple on the same premises in 1618 and the mosque was built by Aurangzeb in 1670 on the site of an earlier temple.
  • The Krishna Janmasthan temple in Mathura is believed to have been built around 2,000 years ago, in the 1st century CE.
  • A survey has been ordered due to demands by Hindu representatives for complete ownership of the premises where the Keshava Deva temple was destroyed on the orders of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb in 1670.
    • The area was regarded as nazul land — non-agricultural state land owned by the Marathas, and then the British.
  • The temple was originally built in 1618 during the reign of Jahangir and was patronized by Aurangzeb’s brother and rival, Dara Shukoh.
  • In 1815, the Raja of Benaras purchased the 13.77-acre land from the East India Company.
  • Later, the Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Trust was established.
    • The trust acquired ownership rights over the temple, and in 1951.
    • The 13.77-acre land was placed under the trust with the condition that it would never be sold or pledged.
    • In 1956, the Shri Krishna Janmasthan Sewa Sangh was set up to manage the affairs of the temple.
    • In 1968, an agreement was signed between the Sri Krishna Janmasthan Seva Sangh and the Shahi Idgah Masjid Trust, where the temple authority conceded a portion of the land to the Idgah as part of the settlement.
  • The current dispute involves temple petitioners seeking possession of the entire piece of land.