PRAYAGRAJ, April 11 -- In a potential relief for nearly one lakh former Shiksha Preraks (education motivators) across Uttar Pradesh, the state government may soon release over Rs.400 crore in long-pending honorarium dues under the Saakshar Bharat Mission.

These motivators, appointed on a contractual basis to promote literacy, have been awaiting payment since the scheme was discontinued by the centre nearly eight years ago, a senior official of the state education directorate said.

Anil Bhushan Chaturvedi, director of the literacy, alternative education, Urdu and oriental languages department, has directed officials across 60 districts, including District Institute of Education and Training (DIET) principals, Basic Shiksha Adhikaris (BSA...