Emphasizes Transparency in Usage of School Buildings and Anganwadis
Manoj Kumar Singh Pushes for Real-Time Oversight During Peak Sowing Season and Efficient Use of Rural Infrastructure
Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Singh (IAS, 2012 batch) has issued a set of strict directives aimed at ensuring seamless fertilizer availability across the state during the crucial sowing season. Addressing divisional commissioners and district magistrates via video conference, Singh stressed the importance of transparent fertilizer distribution, price regulation, and the optimal use of unused school infrastructure, particularly for Anganwadi services.
15-Day Daily Monitoring of Fertilizer Supply Ordered
The Chief Secretary instructed that daily review meetings be held at 10 AM for the next 15 days at the district and divisional levels. These meetings will involve officials from agriculture, cooperation, and allied departments to maintain real-time coordination and oversight.
Singh emphasized that no sale of fertilizers, including urea and DAP, should occur above the government-fixed price, warning of strict action against violators. Although adequate stock is available across Uttar Pradesh, he stressed the need for proactive, timely distribution and transparent operations at all sales points.
If a fertilizer center reports 80–90% stock depletion, officials must ensure immediate restocking. Farmers must be issued proper receipts for every purchase, and hoarding by private sellers is strictly banned.
Enhanced Vigilance in Border Districts
The Chief Secretary directed special attention to border districts to prevent unauthorized transportation and black marketing of fertilizers. He further mandated that private retailers strictly follow pricing and product tagging norms, with penalties for any violation.
Environmental and Social Infrastructure Initiatives
Alongside the fertilizer monitoring drive, Singh reviewed the post-plantation care strategy for trees planted during the recent state-wide campaign on July 9. He instructed local bodies to be made accountable for maintenance and survival of saplings, ensuring regular tracking and nurturing.
In terms of rural infrastructure, Singh called for effective utilization of vacant government school buildings, especially in remote and underutilized areas. These premises, he said, should be considered for housing Anganwadi centers, subject to clearance by a district-level committee headed by the District Magistrate.
These centers, now to be designated as “Bal Vatikas”, will offer pre-primary education and child welfare services for children aged 3–6 years. Singh stressed that such facilities must be child-safe, inclusive, and educationally stimulating.
Clarification on School Pairing Policy
Amid debates and misinformation regarding the school pairing initiative, Singh clarified that the policy is constitutional, and designed to maximize educational resources and enhance learning outcomes, especially in resource-constrained regions. The initiative promotes infrastructure sharing and better academic delivery.
Key Officials Present
The high-level meeting was attended by several senior officials, including:
Deepak Kumar, Agriculture Production Commissioner
Ravindra Kumar, Principal Secretary, Agriculture
Anil Kumar, Principal Secretary, Forest
Kanchan Verma, Director General, School Education
