Maharashtra govt-aided schools may begin academic year with online classes

According to officials, holding classes online would reduce the number of school buses. Representational Pic/File/iStock

The government-aided schools in Maharashtra may begin the new academic year with virtual classes, officials familiar with the matter have said. Though no formal order has been issued yet, there is growing buzz in Mantralaya that the state government may implement it for at least the first few months.

This comes two days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged citizens to embrace work-from-home and online learning.

According to officials, the final decision will be taken soon after consulting all stakeholders and the administration.

According to officials, holding classes online would reduce the number of school buses and other vehicles used to transport children, keeping them off the roads and helping save fuel.

PM's austerity measures

Prime Minister Modi had on Sunday called on citizens to cut spending on petroleum products and gold as the country grapples with mounting pressure on its foreign exchange reserves.

Oppn questions move

MNS chief Raj Thackeray on Tuesday asked the PM to listen to the "Mann Ki Baat" of real economists, urging him to lead by example before asking citizens to cut spending, and demanded a special session of Parliament to discuss what he called the "vulnerable" state of the economy.

Meanwhile, NCP (SP) chief Sharad Pawar took to social media to question PM Modi's recent appeal for austerity measures. Pawar, in a post on X, said, "Prime Minister's announcements had created anxiety among citizens, businesses, and investors because of their sudden nature and possible long-term economic impact."

Pawar also called for an all-party meeting to be chaired by the PM, stating that leaders from across political parties should be involved in decisions on issues of national importance.

Leaders back PM's appeal

Following PM Modi's appeal, MP Ramdas Athawale travelled by the Mumbai Metro Aqua Line, while MLC Pravin Darekar began using an electric vehicle. Minister Nitesh Rane is understood to have decided to conduct his department meetings online, and the office of Rahul Narwekar (chairman of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly) is said to have cancelled a proposed study tour to Japan by MLAs.