• 06 Dec 2024

UP Govt to Revise Madarsa Act, 2004

Why in News?  

Recently, the Uttar Pradesh government is set to revise the Uttar Pradesh Board of Madarsa Education Act, 2004 excluding higher-level education from its purview and restricting its coverage only to institutions offering education up to Class 12.  

• In an earlier judgment, the Supreme Court upheld the constitutional validity of the 2004 Uttar Pradesh Board of Madrasa Education Law and set aside an Allahabad High Court verdict that had quashed it on the grounds violating the principle of secularism. 

Key Points 

• The revision of the Madarsa Act is part of a broader effort to enhance the quality and oversight of Madarsa education in Uttar Pradesh. 
  • The government aims to improve secondary education in Madrasas by combining religious teachings with a standard secular curriculum. 
• Impact on Higher-Level Religious Degrees: 
  • Under the new amendments, Madrasas will no longer be able to offer higher-level religious degrees like Kamil and Fazil.  
    • These degrees, which have been a part of the madrasa education system, will lose their recognition under the revised Act.      
  • The focus on secondary education is expected to bring about a more standardized approach to madrasa education, ensuring that students receive a balanced education that prepares them for further studies or vocational training. 

Uttar Pradesh Board of Madarsa Education Act, 2004 

• The Act aimed to regulate and govern the functioning of madrasas (Islamic educational institutions) in the state of Uttar Pradesh. 
• It provided a framework for the establishment, recognition, curriculum, and administration of madrasas across Uttar Pradesh. 
• Under this Act, the Uttar Pradesh Board of Madarsa Education was established to oversee and supervise the activities of madrasas in the state. 

Women Lead Over Half of Startups in Uttar Pradesh

Why in News? 

Over half of the registered startups in Uttar Pradesh are now led by women, showcasing the state's progressive business landscape.  

Key Points 

• According to the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), out of more than 13,370 startups in the state, over 6,812, almost 51%, are led by women entrepreneurs. 
• The state's startup policy, initially introduced in 2020 and amended in 2022, aims to establish 100 incubators across all 75 districts, providing a robust infrastructure for new ventures.  
  • The policy also includes financial incentives and support systems specifically designed to encourage women entrepreneurs. 
• The startups in Uttar Pradesh have collectively created over 100,000 jobs, contributing significantly to the state's economy.  
• Initiatives like the single window clearance system, 'Nivesh Mitra', have been instrumental in creating a business-friendly environment.  
  • It boasts a disposal rate of 97.22%, earning recognition with an award from the central government. 
• Looking ahead, Uttar Pradesh plans to develop India's first artificial intelligence city in Lucknow and establish an exclusive fund to boost the AI ecosystem.  
  • These initiatives are expected to further enhance the state's appeal as a hub for tech startups and innovation.

HC Grants Pension to 1965 War Widow After 58 Years

Why in News? 

In a landmark decision, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has granted pension benefits to Anguri Devi, an 87-year-old widow of a soldier who died in the Indo-Pak war 1965. 

• This ruling marks the end of a 58-year struggle for justice and financial support. 

Key Points 

• Anguri Devi's husband, Nater Pal Singh, served in the Rajput Regiment and was killed in a mine blast on the western front during the 1965 war.         
  • She received a special family pension from the Army after her husband's death. 
• In 1972, the government introduced the "Liberalised Family Pension" policy with retrospective effect for operations from 1947 onwards, granting higher pensions. 
  • The policy included financial effect and arrears starting 1st February, 1972. 
• Despite her husband dying in 1965, the authorities did not apply the policy to Anguri Devi. 
• A new policy was introduced on 31st January, 2001, with financial effect from 1st January, 1996. 
• The policy included the "Liberalised Family Pension" but applied only to deaths/disabilities after 1st January, 1996. 
• The Supreme Court later struck down the cut-off date of 1996. 
  • However, Anguri Devi's claim was initially denied due to cut-off dates that excluded her case.  
• Despite a Supreme Court ruling that struck down these cut-off dates, her claim remained unresolved. 
• After years of legal battles, the Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT) provided partial relief, limiting her arrears to three years before her filing date.  
  • However, the Punjab and Haryana High Court overturned this decision, ruling that she is entitled to arrears from the effective date of the 2001 policy.     

Uttarakhand Govt to Build Homes Under PMAY Scheme

Why in News?  

Recently, in a significant move to address housing needs, the Uttarakhand government has announced the construction of 16,000 affordable homes for low-income families under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY).  

Key Points 

• About the Project: 
  • The project is being spearheaded by the Uttarakhand Housing Development Council (UHDC) and the Mussoorie Dehradun Development Authority (MDDA).  
    • These bodies are working in collaboration with private investors to ensure the timely and efficient construction of these homes.  
  • The initiative includes 15 projects led by private investors, accounting for 12,856 homes, while various development authorities are constructing an additional 3,104 units. The target is to complete all projects by March 2025.     
• About PMAY:  
  • This initiative aims to provide 'pucca' houses to homeless families, aligning with the broader goal of 'Antyodaya', uplifting the poorest of the poor. 
  • The scheme is designed for homeless families with an annual income of less than Rs. 3 lakh.  
    • Eligible families must have been residents of Uttarakhand since before June 15, 2015. 
  • The construction of these affordable homes is expected to significantly improve the living conditions of low-income families in Uttarakhand.