State PCS - Uttar Pradesh (UP PCS)

• 03 Jun 2025

Bachpan Day Care Centres

Why in News? 

The Uttar Pradesh government is set to expand its initiatives for children with special needs and persons with disabilities by opening Bachpan Day Care Centres in 26 more districts, alongside launching new schemes to improve accessibility, education, rehabilitation, and training. 

Key Points 

• About the Bachpan Day Care Centres: They are specialized facilities established by the Uttar Pradesh government to provide early intervention, care, education, and social training to children with special needs.  
  • These centres aim to nurture the overall development of differently-abled children by offering a supportive and inclusive environment from an early age. 
  • Currently, these centres operate in 25 districts, covering all divisional headquarters and seven aspirational districts. 
    • The seven aspirational districts of UP– Chitrakoot, Fatehpur, Bahraich, Shrawasti, Balrampur, Siddharthnagar, and Chandauli.  
• Accessibility and Infrastructure Improvements: 
  • A new scheme has been proposed to ensure that all stadiums and sports complexes are made fully accessible to persons with disabilities.  
    • Additionally, infrastructure across the state will be upgraded to enhance accessibility and comfort for individuals with disabilities, promoting inclusivity and equal participation in public spaces. 
  • The step aims not only to promote their participation in sports but also to reinforce the spirit of ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’. 
• Digital Transformation in Special Education: 
  • Introduction of an E-Learning Management System portal for special schools. 
  • Enables real-time monitoring of academic activities and student talents. 
  • Enhances educational quality and fosters the holistic development of children with special needs. 
• Rehabilitation and Support for the Intellectually Challenged: 
  • Plans to establish shelter homes-cum-training centres in every district. 
  • These centres will provide a safe environment and skill-based training. 
  • Supported by government and private entities to encourage independent living. 
• Training and Support for Special Educators: 
  • Introduction of in-service refresher courses and training programmes for special educators. 
  • Aim to keep teachers updated with modern pedagogical methods. 
  • Helps educators better address the evolving needs of students with disabilities. 

Schemes Related to Children with Special Needs 

• Divyang Pension Yojana: The state government’s pension scheme provides monthly financial assistance to disabled persons of 18 years or more, helping improve their livelihood and standard of living. The pension amount is periodically increased to offer better support. 
• Deen Dayal Disabled Rehabilitation Scheme (DDRS):  The scheme was launched in 1999 and was revised and renamed in 2003. It was previously known as the "Scheme for Promoting Voluntary Action for the Disabled". 
  • DDRS is a Central Sector Scheme that provides financial assistance to voluntary organizations working for the education and rehabilitation of persons with disabilities. 

Sustainable Aviation Fuel Manufacturing Policy-2025

Why in News? 

The Uttar Pradesh government has unveiled plans for the Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Manufacturing Policy-2025, aimed at converting agricultural waste into jet fuel. 

• A high-level roundtable conference was organized by Invest UP in Lucknow to discuss the policy framework. 

Key Points 

• About the SAF: It is produced from renewable sources such as agricultural waste, municipal solid waste, and forestry residues. 
  • It has the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80% compared to conventional jet fuel. 
  • Indigenous feedstock like sugarcane molasses and Make in India technology are being used to produce SAF. 
• About the Policy: The policy targets the production of sustainable aviation fuel from agricultural residues like sugarcane bagasse, rice husk, and wheat straw. 
  • It aims to establish industrial units within Uttar Pradesh for bio-jet fuel manufacturing. 
  • This initiative will directly benefit around 2.5 crore farmers by creating new markets for their crop waste. 
• Significance of the Policy: 
  • First of Its Kind in India: Marks a pioneering step towards integrating agricultural waste-based biofuels into India’s aviation fuel mix. 
  • Climate Change Mitigation: Supports India’s commitment under the Paris Agreement to reduce carbon intensity and promote renewable energy. 
  • Agricultural Waste Management: It can reduce stubble burning, a major cause of air pollution and smog in northern India, improving public health and ecological balance. 
  • Rural Economy Upliftment: Creates new markets and value chains for agricultural residues, generating additional income sources for farmers. 
  • Industrial Growth: Promotes establishment of SAF manufacturing units, leveraging UP’s strategic logistics and agro-industrial base. 
• Related Challenges: 
  • Technological Viability: Developing reliable and scalable processes to convert varied agricultural wastes into aviation fuel efficiently remains a major hurdle. 
  • Price Competitiveness: Producing SAF at a cost close to conventional jet fuel is necessary to encourage adoption without heavy subsidies. 
  • Infrastructure Development: Effective collection, transport, and storage of dispersed crop residues need robust logistics to maintain a steady supply. 
  • Policy Integration: Aligning state and central policies on biofuels and aviation is essential to streamline approvals and incentives. 
• Way Forward: 
  • Incorporate Stakeholder Feedback: Engaging farmers, industry, and experts will help tailor the policy to real-world challenges. 
  • Facilitate Research & Development: Investment in R&D can improve technology efficiency and reduce production costs. 
  • Create Incentives: Financial benefits for SAF producers and users will promote market growth. 
  • Strengthen Farmer Outreach: Educating farmers and ensuring fair prices will secure reliable feedstock supply. 
  • Promote Public-Private Partnerships: Collaboration between government and private sector can drive large-scale, sustainable SAF production.