Uttar Pradesh

• 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.