Atal Residential Schools

• 13 Sep 2024

Why in News?

Recently, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister announced a major expansion of Atal Residential Schools to enhance educational opportunities for underprivileged students.

Key Points

• Currently, there are 18 Atal Residential Schools.
  • The expansion will be in phases, with schools planned for 57 districts in the next academic session, extending to 350 tehsils in the third phase, 825 development blocks in the fourth phase, and Nyay panchayat level in the fifth phase.
• School Features:
  • Named after former Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee, the schools are designed to set a benchmark for inclusive education and to combat illiteracy and deprivation.
  • The new schools will cater to students from classes 1 to 12 and include Bal Vatikas.
  • Schools are directed to hold biannual meetings with parents to keep them informed.

Bal Vatikas

• Bal Vatika is an early childhood education program that aims to help children aged 3–6 years develop cognitively, socially, emotionally, and physically.
• The program focuses on play-based learning and is designed to create an inclusive and welcoming environment for children.

Nyay Panchayat

• A Nyaya Panchayat is a judicial system in the panchayati raj system of India that resolves disputes at the village level. Nyaya Panchayats are considered the most basic level of the Indian judicial system.
• Some of the functions of Nyaya Panchayats include:
  • Resolving disputes: Nyaya Panchayats resolve minor civil and criminal disputes.
  • Providing justice: Nyaya Panchayats provide low-cost and quick justice.
  • Punishing offenders: Nyaya Panchayats can raise small fines and punish offenders. However, they do not imprison people.
  • Decentralizing democracy: Nyaya Panchayats help to decentralize the democratic system.