LUCKNOW: The Yogi Adityanath government in Uttar Pradesh has intensified its efforts to tackle two major issues – illegal land encroachment and negligence in the education sector. A large-scale campaign has been launched in Shravasti to prevent illegal occupation of government land, while at the same time, strict action is being planned against special educators who have failed to perform their duties.
Shravasti District Magistrate Ajay Kumar Dwivedi has taken a proactive step to prevent re-encroachment of government plots. The administration has started installing stone plaques on government land, clearly marking them with essential details such as the type of land, category, area, Gram Sabha, and plot number. This initiative aims to ensure that no one can claim ownership of these lands in the future.
The district has a total of 1,49,239 government plots covering 26,650 hectares. These plots are being identified across 397 Gram Panchayats, and stone plaques are being installed on them. The plaques serve as a warning against illegal encroachment, making it clear that these lands belong to the government. Additionally, any attempt to remove or tamper with these plaques will invite strict legal action under the Public Property Damage Prevention Act, including both legal consequences and financial penalties.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has been running an aggressive campaign against land mafias since he took office. Under his leadership, over 68,000 hectares of encroached government land have been freed across the state. With the successful implementation of this initiative in Shravasti, similar measures are expected to be launched in other districts as well.
While the government is taking tough steps to protect public land, another major issue has come to light in the education sector. A recent report from Vidya Samiksha Kendra (VSK) has revealed shocking negligence by special educators appointed to teach disabled students in government schools. The findings indicate that many of these teachers have not been performing their duties properly.
The survey found that in 588 schools, special educators did not visit even once during the entire academic session of 2024-25. In 311 schools, they visited only once, while in 884 schools, they showed up just twice in the whole year. In 5,970 schools, these teachers were present only three times. Additionally, 667 special educators were found not using Teaching-Learning Materials (TLM), which are essential for inclusive education.
These special educators are hired on a contract basis with a monthly honorarium of ₹15,950. Their responsibility is to visit at least two schools every day, provide proper education to disabled students, and assist regular teachers in managing children with special needs. However, the report has exposed their lack of commitment and accountability.
Taking this matter seriously, Director General of School Education, Kanchan Verma, has ordered district Basic Education Officers to seek explanations from these teachers. Those found guilty of neglecting their duties will face termination of their contracts and possible further action.
