Yogi cabinet approves Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee-Chevening Scholarship for UP Students to Pursue Master’s in UK

Lucknow, Aug 2025 : In a landmark decision aimed at giving a new direction to higher education, the Yogi Adityanath-led Uttar Pradesh Cabinet has approved the “Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee-Chevening Uttar Pradesh State Government Scholarship Scheme.” This initiative will enable meritorious students from the state to pursue higher education in the United Kingdom (UK).

Announcing the Cabinet’s decision, State Higher Education Minister Yogendra Upadhyay stated that under this prestigious scheme, five outstanding students from Uttar Pradesh will be awarded scholarships each year to pursue a one-year master’s degree at a reputed UK university. He said, “Inspired by the remarkable legacy of Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the scholarship will be implemented through a joint collaboration between the Government of Uttar Pradesh and the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).”

The scholarship package will cover tuition fees, examination and research expenses, a generous monthly living allowance, and round-trip economy class airfare. The selection process will be fair and transparent, conducted in accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the Uttar Pradesh government and the FCDO.

The scheme will be launched from the academic year 2025-26 and will remain in effect for three years—2025-26, 2026-27, and 2027-28. Any continuation beyond this period will require re-approval by March 30, 2028.

Under the scheme, the state government will contribute approximately £19,800 (around ₹23 lakh) per student, while the total estimated cost per student will range between £38,048 and £42,076. The FCDO will cover the remaining amount.

According to Minister Upadhyay, this scheme will unlock new global opportunities for the youth of Uttar Pradesh, empowering them to compete at an international level. It reflects Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s unwavering commitment to youth development and progressive reforms in the education sector.

Key Points – At a Glance

Scheme Name: Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee-Chevening UP State Government Scholarship Scheme
Start: From the academic session 2025-26

Duration: Three years (2025-2028)
Beneficiaries: 5 students every year
Total Expenses: £38,000–£42,000 per student
UP Government Contribution: £19,800 (~₹23 lakh)
Partner Organization: FCDO UK

Cabinet nod to 2 key policies to boost industrial growth

To boost industrial growth and job creation, the Yogi Cabinet has approved two key policies. MSME and Export Promotion Minister Rakesh Sachan said the new measures will strengthen industrial infrastructure and create employment for lakhs of youth.

Under the Uttar Pradesh MSME Industrial Estate Management Policy, industrial plots and sheds will now be allotted via e-auction on lease/rent. Plot rates are set at ₹3,000/sq m in Paschimanchal, ₹2,500 in Madhyanchal, and ₹2,000 in Purvanchal/Bundelkhand, with a 5% annual hike.

Additionally, the Cabinet has approved the Uttar Pradesh Footwear, Leather and Non-Leather Sector Development Policy-2025, aimed at promoting exports, technological upgradation, and employment generation in the leather and footwear sectors. The policy will offer special incentives and launch training programs to enhance workforce skills. It is expected to attract significant domestic and foreign investment.

Cabinet clears Uttar Pradesh Rural Population Records Bill-2025

To simplify and streamline rural land record updates, the Cabinet has passed the Uttar Pradesh Rural Population Records Bill-2025. The new legislation aims to make the process of transfer, correction, and updates in Gharauni (ownership documents) more transparent and user-friendly.

Now, changes due to inheritance, sale, gift, will, auction, court orders, or family settlements can be made more efficiently. Revenue Inspectors and Tehsildars/Naib Tehsildars will have the authority to update clean cases. Citizens will also be able to request corrections for clerical errors and update mobile numbers or addresses.

Notably, over 1.06 crore Gharauni documents have been generated so far, with more than 1.01 crore already distributed.

Cabinet approves establishment of two private universities

The Yogi Cabinet has also approved the establishment of two new private universities under the Uttar Pradesh Private University Act, 2019. K.D. University (Mathura), proposed by Rajiv Memorial Academic Welfare Society, on 50.54 acres in Akbarpur village, Chhata tehsil. Bodhisattva University (Barabanki), proposed by the Bodhisatva Charitable Trust, Lucknow, on 25.31 acres in Gadiya village, Nawabganj tehsil.
Letters of Intent have already been issued to both institutions, marking another step forward in expanding quality higher education across the state.

Cabinet approves 15-year advertising rights in municipal corporations to boost investment and revenue

In a major reform, the Yogi Cabinet has approved a 15-year validity for sky sign and advertisement permissions within municipal corporation areas, up from the current two years. This was enabled by amending Section 305(1) of the Uttar Pradesh Municipal Corporation Act, 1959.

Following this, the Uttar Pradesh Municipal Corporation (Regulation of Signs and Advertisements) Rules, 2025 will be implemented across all municipal corporations. The government expects this move to encourage long-term investment, technological innovation, and better quality from advertising agencies.

The extended duration will also eliminate frequent tendering, improve administrative efficiency, and ensure stable revenue streams. At a time of rising urbanization and financial constraints, this decision provides municipal bodies with a valuable source of additional income.

The state government will soon promulgate the Uttar Pradesh Municipal Corporation (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025 to bring these changes into effect.

Box

KGMU Act to be amended; reserved categories to get representation in Executive Council

The Yogi Cabinet has approved an amendment to the King George Medical University (KGMU), Uttar Pradesh Act, 2002, to ensure representation of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes in the University’s Executive Council.

A new Section 24(1)(A) will be added, allowing the state government to nominate one senior-most professor each from the SC/ST and OBC categories. These nominations will be made in consultation with the Vice Chancellor, on a rotational basis.

The move aims to safeguard the constitutional rights of reserved categories and was based on a resolution passed by the University’s Executive Council on January 28, 2022. The amendment will be reintroduced in the upcoming session of the State Legislature.