Lucknow, June 13 -- Highlighting the transformation in Uttar Pradesh's education sector, chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday said that over the past eight years, both the condition and direction of school and secondary education have changed remarkably in the state. He also advised students to not let anyone damage public property, urging them to report such incidents. He made the remark after felicitating top-performing students from state and national board exams with tablets and cash prizes at a ceremony held at Lok Bhavan in Lucknow. He also awarded gold medalists of the 68th National School Sports Competition 2024-25 with the Chief Minister's School Sports Award. According to a press release after the event on Thursday, the CM emphasised that earlier governments had introduced two major "businesses" in Uttar Pradesh-one in the name of cheating and the other in transfer-posting. "Exam centres were operated on a wholesale basis for cheating. External candidates filled out forms, and someone else appeared in their place for the exams. Simultaneously, transfer and posting became an entire industry," he stated. "These malpractices were curbed by adopting a transparent and fair system. Exams are now held only at centers with CCTV surveillance, boundary walls, adequate infrastructure, and proper furniture," he said. He stated that the board exam results showed that girls were working harder than boys. Students who ranked in the merit list were awarded Rs 1 lakh in cash, a tablet, a certificate of appreciation, and a medal. At the district level, meritorious students received Rs 21,000 in cash, a tablet, a certificate, and a medal.Inspired by initiatives like 'Khelo India' and 'Fit India,' many young talents performed excellently at the national level. In the 68th National School Sports Competition, 363 players from Uttar Pradesh participated and won 179 medals-51 gold, 46 silver, and 82 bronze. The state government is providing Rs 75,000 for gold, Rs 50,000 for silver, and Rs 30,000 for bronze medalists. In team events, the prize money is Rs 35,000 for gold, Rs 25,000 for silver and Rs 15,000 for bronze....