23 August,2026 11:41 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Maharashtra Deputy CM Eknath Shinde (File pic)
Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has directed the School Education Department to work in "mission mode" to transform the state's education system, with a focus on modernising schools, empowering teachers and ensuring the holistic development of students.
As per the official statement, Deputy CM Shinde held a four-hour review meeting with School Education Minister Dada Bhuse and senior officials of the Education Department at Nandanvan Bungalow in Mumbai on Saturday. During the meeting, the officials briefed Shinde on various initiatives, schemes and the progress made by the department.
While appreciating the work undertaken by the Education Ministry, Shinde called for a clear, comprehensive and time-bound action plan to ensure that education-related initiatives reach every school and student across Maharashtra.
Shinde said, "The aspirations of our children are changing, and their dreams are changing. Our schools must change accordingly."
Maharashtra's Deputy Chief Minister also stressed the need for a modern, quality and future-ready education system capable of preparing students for future opportunities and challenges.
The proposed action plan will focus on modernising schools and improving the quality of education. Shinde directed the department to involve education experts and experienced teachers in the process while strengthening teacher training, motivation and capacity-building programmes.
Shinde also called for teachers demonstrating excellence and innovation to be encouraged and recognised.
He further directed officials to ensure the timely and effective implementation of various Central Government education schemes in Maharashtra so that their benefits reach schools and students across the state.
Shinde said, "Education should not remain limited to the curriculum and examinations, and emphasised the physical, mental, intellectual and emotional well-being of students."
He called for greater attention to regular health check-ups, nutrition, the review of the Mid-Day Meal Scheme and initiatives aimed at supporting the mental health and emotional well-being of students.
While highlighting a collaborative approach for the education system, the Deputy Chief Minister also stressed the need to involve parents, alumni and local communities in school development.
He directed the department to effectively communicate its successful initiatives and achievements to the public, allowing parents and citizens to remain informed about the changes taking place in schools across Maharashtra.
Shinde said MLAs and MPs would be encouraged to adopt schools in their respective constituencies and contribute to their development through available funds and local resources.
He said the participation of elected representatives, parents and local communities could help accelerate the development of schools.
The state government also plans to bring corporate and industrial sector expertise into school development initiatives.
Shinde said professional capabilities and resources available with companies could be leveraged for technology, training, expertise and other forms of support to modernise government schools.
Weekly reviews to monitor progress
To ensure that the proposed action plan is implemented within deadlines, weekly review meetings will be conducted to assess progress, identify bottlenecks and take necessary decisions to speed up implementation.
Reiterating the government's commitment to transforming Maharashtra's education system, Shinde said, "If our schools change, the future of our students will change. And if the future of our students changes, the future of Maharashtra will change."
He said, "It was the collective responsibility of the government and stakeholders to take forward successful education initiatives in "mission mode" and ensure that their benefits reach students across the state."
