Odisha
Higher materials allocations
Bhubaneswar, December 2. The state’s recently elected BJP government has raised the allocation for mid-day meals for children in government primaries.
Addressing a press conference in Bhubaneswar, Raghuram R. Iyer, Nodal Officer for the PM-Poshan (child nutrition) scheme said: “The materials allocated for primary school students (classes I-V) have been raised from Rs.5.90 to Rs.7.64 per meal per child, and Rs.8.82 to Rs.10.94 per meal per student for upper primary schools (classes VI-VIII). These revised allocations will come into effect from December 1.”
Under the PM-Poshan Scheme, the Odisha gover-nment currently provides cooked meals to 4.45 million children enrolled in 51,500 primary and upper primary schools statewide. The scheme’s objective is to ensure that students receive a nutritious meal to “fuel their learning,” and encourage school attendance, added Iyer.
Gujarat
Private preschools protest
Ahmedabad, December 5. Over 40,000 private pre-primary schools across the state shut down for a day to protest the state government’s newly introduced guidelines. School owners and administrators presented their objections to education minister Kuber Dindor and minister of state Praful Pansheriya, warning of intensified protests if their demands are not met.
Pre-primary school promoters’ demands include clarity on Building-Use (BU) permission regulations. According to Rajesh Parikh, Ahmedabad coordinator of the Gujarat Independent Preschools Association, while the education ministry allows BU submissions under various categories — commercial, residential, and educational — municipal corporations insist solely on educational BU approvals. This inconsistency has created “significant challenges” for preschools operating in rented and residential buildings.
Another objection of the association is municipal corporations insistence upon minimum 15-year lease agreements with stamp duty. “Around 80 percent of pre-primary schools operate in rented properties. Securing long-term leases with higher stamp duty is financially and practically unrealistic for many preschool owners,” says Parikh.
Madhya Pradesh
Harassment charge
Gwalior, December 20. Police have registered a case against two teachers of the Central government promoted Kendriya Vidyalaya #2 after a class IX student reportedly attempted suicide by consuming phenyl after being harassed by them, said Krishna Lalchandani, Additional Superintendent of Police.
According to ASP Lalchandani, the 14-year-old wrote a suicide note before consuming the chemical. The incident took place on November 8 but the case was registered in December after the boy recovered and recorded his statement.
Subsequently, a case was registered against the two teachers under provisions of the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act.
Delhi
Hindu Studies Centre
Delhi, December 26. Delhi University (DU) plans to introduce a Ph D programme in Hindu Studies starting July 2025 on the recommendation of the governing body of the Centre for Hindu Studies. Earlier intended for the current academic year, the initiative is now scheduled for the next academic year, according to a proposal by the Standing Committee.
Addressing a press conference, Prerna Malhotra, Joint Director of the Centre for Hindu Studies, said: “The Ph D in Hindu Studies aims to create research opportunities for students eager to explore this field. Many students, especially those with JRF and NET qualifications in Hindu Studies, have shown interest. As a premier institution, DU is committed to encouraging research in diverse areas.”
Initially, the programme will offer ten seats, including the prescribed number under reservation and supernumerary categories, with the possibility of increasing capacity based on infrastructure and academic needs.
Maharashtra
Admission racket outed
Mumbai, December 18. Three individuals including two clerical staff of KJ Somaiya College were arrested by Mumbai police for allegedly running a cash-for-admissions racket in three colleges of Somaiya Vidyavihar University.
The accused allegedly forged marksheets and school leaving certificates to enable admission of unqualified students into KJ Somaiya College of Arts and Commerce, Shree SK Somaiyya Vinay Mandir Secondary School and Junior College and KJ Somaiyya College of Science and Commerce, an official said.
“A case has been registered against five individuals including two staffers of the university, who secured admissions for at least 50 students into class XI during the 2024-25 academic year by forging documents. Those 50 students were ineligible for admission,” he said.
After the admission racket came to light, Dr. Sudha Vyas, Principal of the KJ Somaiya College of Arts and Commerce, filed a police complaint against five accused persons.
