Maharashtra to make Scout-Guide training mandatory in all schools, says Minister Dada Bhuse

Maharashtra School Education Minister Dada Bhuse. File Pic

The Maharashtra government plans to make Scout-Guide training mandatory in all schools across the state, covering around 2.10 crore students in 1.08 lakh schools across all mediums of instruction. School Education Minister Dada Bhuse issued directions to officials to expand the programme during a review meeting on Wednesday.

Currently, around 17.33 lakh students from 30,000 schools receive Scout-Guide training. The state plans to extend the initiative to all schools as part of the School Education Department's ‘Nation First' approach.

Parades, drills to be part of school activities

Bhuse directed officials to make Scout-Guide activities available in all schools and include parades, marches and drills performed to patriotic songs as part of the initiative.

Schools will also be required to allocate two periods every week for these activities under the ‘Ananddayi Shanivar' (Joyful Saturday) programme.

Seven-day training planned for teachers

To facilitate the expansion, teachers will receive seven days of training at the taluka level to implement the Scout-Guide programme.

The School Education Department will cover students' fees and trainers' honorariums for the programme in Zilla Parishad schools, Bhuse said.

Proposal to increase marks for award-winning students

The minister also directed officials to prepare a proposal to increase the marks awarded to students who receive Scout-Guide distinctions.

Currently, students who receive the State Award are awarded three marks, while those who receive the President's Award receive 10 marks. The proposed revision aims to increase the marks given to students who achieve these honours.

The review meeting was attended by Principal Secretary Ranjit Singh Deol, School Education Commissioner Sachindra Pratap Singh and State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) Director Mangesh Joshi, who joined online. Deputy Secretary Tushar Mahajan, Scout-Guide Assistant State Secretary Ramesh Jadhav and other officials from the School Education and Sports Department were also present.

State waives exam fees for drought-hit students, warns colleges of strict action

Meanwhile, the Maharashtra government has directed universities and colleges to waive examination fees for students from drought-affected talukas and refund any fees already collected, warning of strict action against institutions that fail to comply.

Higher and Technical Education Minister Chandrakant Patil issued the directives during an online meeting in Mumbai with vice-chancellors of public universities in the state on Wednesday. The decision aims to ease the financial burden on students affected by drought.