LUCKNOW: Coaching centres being run by the state government under its Abhyudaya scheme registered selections of 13 of their candidates in UPSC civil services examinations this year. In the last two years, these coaching centres have undergone a major transformation. Recently, 95 candidates from Abhyudaya centres qualified for UP PCS examination. The change became possible due to the efforts of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and minister of state (independent charge), social welfare, Asim Arun. Talking to Pathikrit Chakraborty, minister Asim Arun spoke about the steps taken to ensure desired results. Excerpts:
With only four selections in UPSC between 1997 and 2022, to 13 in 2023, how did it happen?
When coaching institutes closed during pandemic and switched on to online mode, it became expensive for students from economically backward sections. At that time, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath decided to strengthen Abhyudaya coaching centres with a massive overhaul which started from 2020. In the last one year, we recruited private teachers and gave them Rs 2,000 for every lecture of 90 minutes. Servingofficers of the rank of SDM and CDO were roped in. Some officers voluntarily joined us. We coordinated with director general, UP Academy of Administration & Management (UPAAM) in Aliganj (Lucknow) L Venkateshwarlu, who helped us in generating content and syllabus for aspirants. I also conducted a few sessions to give tips to candidates on cracking interviews. Officers like former DGP Vikram Singh conducted mock interviews and it yieldedresults.
What is the road ahead?
We have collaborated with a private e-learning company for one year which will enhance learning among aspirants. We have also hired faculty and provided resources to our centres in districts. Soon, we will also provide guidance for Common Admission Test (CAT), NEET, Combined Defence Services (CDS), SSB and even for examination for recruitment of sub-inspectors in UP Police.
What are the facilities being provided to the elderly by the social welfare department?
At least 8 lakh elderly people have registered through Aadhaar. We have also identified people whose Aadhaar numbers were being misused. This will help in checking pilferage.
How is the department using biometric system?
We will start a system where it will be mandatory for schools and colleges to get biometric attendance. This will check scams in scholarship funds as students will have to be present daily. Recently, scams have been reported where schools take scholarships against fake enrolments.
With only four selections in UPSC between 1997 and 2022, to 13 in 2023, how did it happen?
When coaching institutes closed during pandemic and switched on to online mode, it became expensive for students from economically backward sections. At that time, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath decided to strengthen Abhyudaya coaching centres with a massive overhaul which started from 2020. In the last one year, we recruited private teachers and gave them Rs 2,000 for every lecture of 90 minutes. Servingofficers of the rank of SDM and CDO were roped in. Some officers voluntarily joined us. We coordinated with director general, UP Academy of Administration & Management (UPAAM) in Aliganj (Lucknow) L Venkateshwarlu, who helped us in generating content and syllabus for aspirants. I also conducted a few sessions to give tips to candidates on cracking interviews. Officers like former DGP Vikram Singh conducted mock interviews and it yieldedresults.
What is the road ahead?
We have collaborated with a private e-learning company for one year which will enhance learning among aspirants. We have also hired faculty and provided resources to our centres in districts. Soon, we will also provide guidance for Common Admission Test (CAT), NEET, Combined Defence Services (CDS), SSB and even for examination for recruitment of sub-inspectors in UP Police.
What are the facilities being provided to the elderly by the social welfare department?
At least 8 lakh elderly people have registered through Aadhaar. We have also identified people whose Aadhaar numbers were being misused. This will help in checking pilferage.
How is the department using biometric system?
We will start a system where it will be mandatory for schools and colleges to get biometric attendance. This will check scams in scholarship funds as students will have to be present daily. Recently, scams have been reported where schools take scholarships against fake enrolments.