Current Affairs - State

Maharashtra issued a revised directive under the State Curriculum Framework 2024 that makes Hindi the general third language to be taught in Marathi and English medium schools for Classes 1 to 5. This move aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and emphasizes multilingual learning and national integration. While schools may offer other Indian languages if at least 20 students per class request it, critics argue that the provision imposes practical hurdles, especially in smaller schools. The directive reignites concerns about language imposition and regional identity, especially after previous protests led to the shelving of a compulsory Hindi policy earlier in 2025.

Bihar made history by becoming the first Indian state to introduce a mobile-based e-voting system for its 2024 urban body elections. Spearheaded by the Bihar State Election Commission and supported by technological input from C-DAC, the system is designed to enhance electoral participation, especially among marginalized groups like migrant workers, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. With features such as blockchain-based transparency, biometric verification through live face scans, and an audit trail similar to VVPAT, the system emphasizes security and accessibility. This initiative represents a significant leap in leveraging digital tools to promote inclusive and secure democratic processes.

The Telangana State Education Department has taken a significant step toward improving education by signing Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with various NGOs. These collaborations aim to upgrade teaching infrastructure and improve learning outcomes across all government schools in the state. The NGOs involved will provide advanced, technology-driven teaching services at no cost to the students. This initiative reflects a public-private partnership model to ensure access to quality education and bridge gaps in educational resources, particularly in underprivileged and rural areas of Telangana.

The 'Udyog Kranti' initiative was launched by the state of Punjab on June 10, 2025, under the leadership of the Aam Aadmi Party government. It is India’s first comprehensive industrial reform package at the state level, aimed at making Punjab a prime industrial destination. The reform includes 12 pioneering measures such as a 45-day deemed approval system, a digital single-window FastTrack Portal, and a first-in-India colour-coded stamp paper system to consolidate all clearance payments. These initiatives focus on eliminating bureaucratic delays, enhancing investor confidence, and promoting transparent, accountable governance to stimulate industrial development across the state.

The Uttar Pradesh government has undertaken a major step toward administrative transparency by digitising the National Family Benefit Scheme. This welfare initiative targets economically vulnerable families, ensuring they receive timely financial assistance during distress. The digital transformation of the scheme enables applicants to complete the process online—from application to the disbursal of benefits—within a 75-day window. This shift not only streamlines service delivery but also enhances accountability, reduces manual intervention, and minimizes the potential for delays or corruption. The reform aligns with broader goals of leveraging technology for inclusive governance and public welfare in India.