The Uttar Pradesh government announced on Tuesday that all students enrolled in more than 500 Sanskrit schools across the state will now be eligible for scholarships. This applies to all students regardless of their family income and removes the previous requirement of an annual income below Rs 50,000. During a cabinet meeting led by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, it was also decided to increase the scholarship amounts for students in classes 9 to 12 at these schools, with the new amounts ranging from Rs 50 to Rs 200 per month.
Following the meeting, Secondary Education Minister Gulab Devi stated, “Given that most children pursuing Sanskrit education come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. A new provision has been introduced to provide scholarships to students in Prathama, which includes classes 6, 7, and 8.” The minister added that students in classes 6 and 7 will now receive Rs 50 per month, while those in class 8 will receive Rs 75 per month.
Previously, students in Purva Madhyama, which includes classes 9 and 10, received a monthly scholarship of Rs 50, while those in Uttar Madhyama, covering classes 11 and 12, received Rs 80 per month. Now, the scholarship for students in classes 9 and 10 has been increased to Rs 100 per month, and those in classes 11 and 12 will receive Rs 200 per month.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Suresh Kumar Khanna explained that previously, scholarships were only available to children from families with an annual income of up to Rs 50,000, but this income restriction has now been lifted. He also noted that there are currently 517 Sanskrit schools in the state, with 1,21,573 students enrolled. Khanna added that the cabinet meeting resulted in the approval of 13 proposals.
Tourism Minister Jaiveer Singh also said that the department’s tourist houses, which are either operating at a loss or nearing closure, will be handed over to private management for an initial period of 15 years, with the possibility of extending it for another 15 years. He noted that this move will ensure improved facilities for tourists.
