Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalyas in UP for minorities

Moradabad, Nov 29 (UNI) For the welfare of the minorities, Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalyas would be established in 141 blocks of Uttar Pradesh having a sizeable minority population.

The selected blocks have minority population of and over 25 per cent.

While, 141 blocks were identified in UP, the scheme has already started in 17 blocks, sources informed here today.

A 13-point programme was announced by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh for the welfare of the minorities.

A committee, headed by UP chief secretary P K Mishra had also been set up to bring the minorities in the mainstream and make the 13-point programme a success.

The wards of minorities would be given preference in admission in all the UP government schools under the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyaan, sources added.

Besides, administration level orders had been passed for establishment of Anganbadi Kendras in the minority dominated areas.

Noting the importance of Urdu education, orders for filling Urdu teachers' vacancies had been passed.

According to sources, almost 7,800 Urdu teachers were posted in UP, while 8,000 more were undergoing training.

The administration has further asked the madarsas to include science, mathematics, social science and english subjects in their curriculum.

Besides, financial assistance from Malauna Azad Educational Institution is being sought, sources informed.

Noting the successful implementation of madarsa modernisation scheme in Karnataka, UP chief secretary P K Mishra passed directives to the UP's Minority welfare and Waqf department to visit Karnataka and analyse its success.

He is also in favour of the establishment of industrial and technical training institutes for the minorities.

UNI