The Yogi Adityanath government has approved a proposal to amend the Atal Residential School Scheme to extend its benefits to children affected by the COVID-19 pandemic in the state on Thursday.
The Atal Residential School Scheme aims to provide quality and free education to children of poor labourers.
This proposal for amendment in the present scheme was approved in the 57th meeting of the Uttar Pradesh Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board, which has been given No Objection Certificate (NOC) by the government.
“Now, the children who lost one or both their parents in the COVID-19 pandemic will also be able to get its benefits. The Women Welfare department will make a list of such children. Under the scheme, free quality residential education from class 6 to 12 will be made available,” a government spokesman said.
In the order issued by the state government, the amendment in the existing system of the Atal Residential School Scheme has been unanimously approved by the Uttar Pradesh Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board.
The maintenance and social security of registered construction workers will be fully ensured in the interest of eligible construction workers.
The eligibility conditions of the scheme have also been amended. Under this, admission will be given only to the children of the registered construction workers, who have completed at least three years of membership of the board after registration.
Earlier this period was one year. However, the eligibility of maximum two children of the registered working family to study in the school remains the same as before. Every year the admission of the children of construction workers and the children eligible for the Mukhyamantri Bal Seva Yojana will be taken on the basis of the procedure laid down by the Atal Residential School Committee.
The state government will make the payment of the expenses related to destitute children and children eligible for the Mukhyamantri Bal Seva Yojana (General) to the Atal Residential School Committee. For this, the Atal Residential School Committee will have to operate a separate account.
“Under the scheme, the same rule was prescribed earlier for orphans as well, but now the names of destitute children and children eligible for Mukhyamantri Bal Seva Yojana have been added,” the official said.
The schools under the Atal Residential School Scheme will follow the curriculum prescribed by the CBSE (Central Board of Secondary Education). Each school will have a capacity of 1,000 students, with an equal distribution of 500 boys and 500 girls.
The schools will offer top-notch facilities to the children, including quality hostels, nutritious food, sports facilities, medical care, and security.