Residential Sanskrit schools to be built in 15 Districts

• 08 Jul 2023

Why in News?

According to information received from the media on July 6, 2023, the state government has decided to set up new North Madhyama (Intermediate Level) Residential Sanskrit Schools in many other districts of the state including Mathura and Etah of Braj to emphasize the upgradation of Sanskrit language in the districts being developed as religious places in Uttar Pradesh.

Key Points:

• Apart from Mathura and Etah, preparations have been started to open new residential Government Sanskrit Secondary Schools in 15 districts including Varanasi, Rae Bareli, Saharanpur, Muzaffarnagar, Shamli, Jalaun, Amethi, Moradabad, Hardoi, Gorakhpur, Ayodhya, Prayagraj, Chitrakoot.
• In these schools, students will get a one-year diploma in Paurohitya (Karmakand/Ritual), Behavioral Vastu Shastra, Behavioral Astrology and Yoga Science. The diploma courses will be conducted on a self-financed basis in recognized schools.
• The course will be divided into one year and two semesters. More emphasis will be laid on practical knowledge through internships. Candidates who have passed the Uttar Madhyama (Class 12th) or equivalent examination in these courses will be eligible for admission. Candidates who have passed the higher examination can also take admission to it. There will be no age limit for admission.
• In a major improvement in the examination system, the state government has also decided to introduce an online examination application, advance registration and examination system in Sanskrit Schools under the supervision of CCTVs at the examination centres.
• The arrangement of teachers for running diploma courses in Sanskrit schools will be made by the managing committee through its own sources. For the first time, funds will also be given to these schools for decoration and furniture etc. For the first time, there will be a transparent selection process to overcome the shortage of teachers in aided Sanskrit schools.
• The state government has also started giving recognition to new Sanskrit Secondary Schools. Through the online process, new recognition has been given to 48 institutions in the state.
• Arrangements have been made for free textbooks and mid-day meals for students of classes 6 to 8 studying in government and aided Sanskrit Secondary Schools.
• In order to modernize and spread Sanskrit education, a new curriculum has been implemented in Sanskrit Secondary schools by including modern subjects and the NCERT syllabus along with traditional subjects.
• At present, only one Government Sanskrit Secondary and one Government Sanskrit Degree College are operating in the entire state. Apart from this, all other institutions teaching Sanskrit are being run privately.
• It is worth mentioning that the Uttar Pradesh government had announced the opening of Sanskrit schools in the state in the budget year of 2023-24. For this, a provision of Rs 100 crore was made in the budget.