State PCS - Uttar Pradesh (UP PCS)

• 03 May 2025

Krishi Sakhi in UP

Why in News? 

The Uttar Pradesh government has decided to train women as 'Krishi Sakhi' to promote natural farming. 

Key Points 

• About Krishi Sakhi Scheme : 
  • This initiative formally recognises the role of women in agriculture, and is a strong step towards making them economically and socially self-reliant. 
  • Selection Process & Role: 
  • Those women will be selected as 'Krishi Sakhi' who will: 
    • Be a local resident . 
    • Be associated with Self-Help Groups (SHGs) or be active in agricultural work . 
    • Have a minimum of primary education (literacy is compulsory). 
  • Their role includes: 
    • Raising awareness among farmers about natural farming benefits. 
    • Receiving and sharing training on organic inputs and seed treatment. 
    • Monitoring agricultural clusters and reporting farmer issues to Krishi Vigyan Kendras. 
    • Promoting collective farming through women’s groups. 
  • Training and Honorarium: 
    • These women will be given regular training by Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) on topics like natural farming, organic product production, experimental methods, disease control . 
    • During the training they will be provided with field demonstrations , visual aids, and toolkits . 
      • Two Bio-input Research Centres will be established in each district . 
    • 'Krishi Sakhis' will be paid an honorarium of Rs 5,000 per month, which will become a source of fixed income for rural women . 
      • Additionally, performance-based incentives may also be given in some areas. 

 Natural Farming 

• Natural farming is a chemical-free agricultural method based on locally available resources. 
• It promotes traditional indigenous methods that free producers from dependence on external inputs. 
• The major focuses of natural farming are on-farm biomass recycling with biomass mulching, on-farm use of indigenous cow dung and urine, pest management through diversity, on-farm vegetable mixing and exclusion of all synthetic chemical inputs directly or indirectly.   
• Since no synthetic chemicals are used in natural farming, it is less hazardous to health . 
• These foods have high nutritional content and provide better health benefits. 
• Natural Farming aims to make farming viable and aspirational by reducing costs and risks, increasing the net income of farmers as a result of uniform yield and income from intercropping . 

Autobiography of Anandiben Patel

Why in News? 

The autobiographical book 'Chunautiyaan Mujhe Pasand Hain' of Governor Anandiben Patel was released by the Vice President of India at Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Technical University, Lucknow . 

Key Points 

• About the Book: 
  • This book depicts his struggles and achievements in politics, administration and social life . 
  • The book mentions her journey from being a simple worker to becoming the first woman Chief Minister of Gujarat and then Governor of Uttar Pradesh. 
  • It presents examples of women's leadership, struggle and empowerment . 
• Anandiben Patel: 
  • Anandiben Patel is currently the Governor of Uttar Pradesh and is known as an influential woman leader in Indian politics . 
  • She was born on 21 November 1941 in a Patidar family in Kharod village of Mehsana district of Gujarat. 
  •  She launched the e-Zameen programme, which computerised land records and digitised farmers' thumb impressions and photographs . 

 Governor 

• About: 
  • The Governor is the executive head of the state. Traditionally, he should not belong to the state where he is appointed, so that he can remain free from local politics. 
    • Apart from this, while appointing a Governor, it is necessary for the President to consult the Chief Minister regarding the affairs of the state so that constitutional order is ensured in the state. 
  • The Governor is neither directly elected by the people nor is he indirectly elected under the constitutional process like the President.  
  • He is appointed by order of the President under his seal. 
  • He holds office at the pleasure of the President and can be removed by the President at any time. 
• Terms of Governor's Office: 
  • The Raj Bhavan (official corporation) will be available to him without rent. 
  • He shall be entitled to  all emoluments , privileges and allowances as may be determined by the Parliament. 
  • If the person is appointed as the Governor of two or more States, these emoluments and allowances will be provided jointly by the States as per the norms set by the President . 
  • His financial achievements and allowances during his tenure cannot be underestimated. 
• Privilege: 
  • Under Article 361, he enjoys  personal immunity from legal liability for his official acts . 
  • During his term of office, he enjoys immunity from trial in  criminal proceedings (even if involving personal action). 
  • He cannot be arrested and put in jail. 
    • However, civil legal proceedings can be initiated against them for personal activities after giving two months' notice .