Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has directed the School Education Department to work in “mission mode” to modernize government schools and bring visible, qualitative improvements to the state’s education system.
Shinde held a detailed four-hour review meeting on Saturday, August 22, at his ‘Nandanvan’ bungalow in Mumbai with School Education Minister Dada Bhuse and senior officials from the Education Department. During the meeting, officials briefed him on various schemes and initiatives being implemented by the department and the progress achieved so far.
Appreciating the work being undertaken by the Education Ministry, Shinde instructed officials to ensure that the benefits of government initiatives reach every school and every student across Maharashtra.
He directed the department to prepare a clear, comprehensive and time-bound action plan for modernizing state schools and improving the quality of education.
“Our children's aspirations and dreams are evolving. Our schools must transform in tandem with these changes. We need to build a modern, high-quality and future-ready education system that prepares every child in Maharashtra for the opportunities and challenges of the future,” Shinde said.
The proposed action plan will involve consultations with education experts and experienced teachers. It will also focus on strengthening teacher-training programmes, providing incentives and opportunities for capacity building, and recognizing teachers who demonstrate excellence and innovation.
Shinde also directed the Education Department to pay special attention to the effective and timely implementation of Central Government education schemes in Maharashtra.
Officials were instructed to ensure that the benefits of these schemes reach schools and students efficiently and without unnecessary delays.
The Deputy Chief Minister stressed that education should go beyond textbooks, curricula and examinations. The physical, mental, intellectual and emotional development of students, he said, must remain at the heart of the education system.
The review specifically focused on:
The emphasis is on creating a school environment in which students can develop academically as well as physically and emotionally.
Shinde also called for greater participation of parents, alumni and local communities in the education system.
He stressed the importance of communicating the Education Department’s successful initiatives and achievements effectively to the public. Greater awareness, he said, would help students, parents and society understand the positive changes taking place in Maharashtra’s schools.
The directions issued during the review meeting underline the state government’s focus on transforming schools into modern, inclusive and future-ready institutions.
With greater emphasis on teacher development, student well-being, timely implementation of education schemes and community participation, the proposed mission-mode approach aims to ensure that improvements in Maharashtra’s education system translate into tangible benefits for students across the state.