Uttar Pradesh Switch to Hindi
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.
- The court asserted that pairing (merger) of schools does not violate Article 21A of the Constitution.
- 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.
- The court ruled that policy decisions cannot be challenged unless they are unconstitutional or arbitrary.
- 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
Uttar Pradesh Switch to Hindi
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.
- About:
- 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.
- Under the National Sports Policy 2025, integrated with the National Education Policy (NEP), the government is promoting school-level sports.
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.
- It was organised in five districts of Bihar (Patna, Rajgir, Begusarai, Gaya and Bhagalpur).