Maharashtra’s 'Edu-City' push sparks student backlash over equity concerns

All India Students’ Federation members say such programmes benefit few and ignore urgent school issues. Representation pic/istock

Student federations have raised objections to the spotlight on Maharashtra's upcoming ‘Edu-City' plans, saying it favours private higher education and sidelines students who can't afford such programmes.

The Maharashtra budget, presented by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Friday, proposes six international universities in Navi Mumbai, with admissions starting this year. Vaibhav Chopkar, law student and State Head of the All India Students' Federation (AISF), said, "Many Marathi schools risk closure, and thousands face privatisation under the ‘adopted school' scheme.

Policies favoring urban, well-off students push rural students out." The federation also criticised schemes like ‘Mukhyamantri Vigyan Vari,' which offers trips to ISRO and NASA for select students. "Such programmes benefit few and divert attention from urgent issues, like schools lacking science labs and vacant teacher posts," AISF members added.

Key budget announcements

>> 8-10 new educational cities to be built
>> Industry-focused and skill-development courses
>> Students to visit ISRO and NASA
>> Employment opportunities for graduates