As part of the reforms outlined in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the state’s Department of School Education in Maharashtra has decided to integrate all classes up to Class 8, including lower secondary classes, into local self-government primary schools. This move aims to enhance and elevate these schools, as well as mitigate the dropout rate among students.
In accordance with the right to free and compulsory education for children aged six to 14, both the state government and local bodies are mandated to provide free education. The state’s Department of School Education has disclosed various measures taken to enhance and elevate the quality of education in schools. Transport services will be extended to primary schools located within a 1-kilometer radius of a child’s residence, and to upper primary schools situated within a 3-kilometer radius. Furthermore, guidelines have been established for the inclusion of Class 5 in schools with classes up to Class 4, and for the addition of Class 8 to schools offering education up to Class 7. It has also been proposed to establish combined schools encompassing classes 1 to 8, 1 to 10, and 1 to 12 across the state.
Deepak Kesarkar, the State Minister of School Education, stated, “Approval has been granted for the enhancement of local government schools. Despite their limited financial resources, additional teachers and necessary infrastructure for new schools, upgrades, or class additions will be provided. The central government has initiated the establishment of select ‘PM Shree’ schools nationwide, giving preference to government or local government schools offering classes 1 to 10 or 12. Given the attached facilities, schools offering classes 1 to 10 and 12 are prioritized during selection, with an emphasis on maximizing their number.”
He further emphasized, “The government and local authorities will jointly undertake the responsibility to ensure that all children in the state complete their education up to Class 12 by the age of 18. The structure of government and local government schools will be designed to ensure uninterrupted education for students up to the age of 18. Local self-government bodies will take appropriate measures to provide pre-primary education facilities in areas without school access. Instructions have been issued to district chief executive officers, zilla parishad commissioners, or municipal corporation commissioners to consider adding higher primary and secondary classes where necessary.”
