Even as the state government moves towards implementing its decision of shutting down more than 3,000 schools across Maharashtra, what has emerged as a matter of concern is that this step is likely to deprive more than 16,000 students, mostly tribals, of their basic education. However, in order to ensure they get education guaranteed under the Right to Education (RTE) Act, the government has decided to provide them transport facilities so that they can reach the nearest schools. But activists are of the opinion that this violates the RTE Act, as students will have to travel a longer distance, which might in turn increase school dropout rates.

Activists and experts are of the opinion that the government’s decision will force many students to drop out of school, as now they will have to travel longer distances to reach the nearest institutes