Maharashtra education overhaul: Eknath Shinde orders schools to work in ‘mission mode’

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has directed the School Education Department to work in ldquomission moderdquo to transform the statersquos education system with a focus on modernising schools empowering teachers and ensuring the holistic development of studentsAs per the official statement Deputy CM Shinde held a fourhour 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 departmentWhile appreciating the work undertaken by the Education Ministry Shinde called for a clear comprehensive and timebound action plan to ensure that educationrelated initiatives reach every school and student across MaharashtraShinde said ldquoThe aspirations of our children are changing and their dreams are changing Our schools must change accordinglyrdquoMaharashtras Deputy Chief Minister also stressed the need for a modern quality and futureready education system capable of preparing students for future opportunities and challengesFocus on teachers and modern schoolsThe 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 capacitybuilding programmesShinde also called for teachers demonstrating excellence and innovation to be encouraged and recognisedHe 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 stateHolistic development of studentsShinde said Education should not remain limited to the curriculum and examinations and emphasised the physical mental intellectual and emotional wellbeing of studentsrdquoHe called for greater attention to regular health checkups nutrition the review of the MidDay Meal Scheme and initiatives aimed at supporting the mental health and emotional wellbeing of studentsParents communities to play greater roleWhile 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 developmentHe 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 MaharashtraMLAs and MPs may adopt schoolsShinde said MLAs and MPs would be encouraged to adopt schools in their respective constituencies and contribute to their development through available funds and local resourcesHe said the participation of elected representatives parents and local communities could help accelerate the development of schoolsCorporate sector to support school modernisationThe state government also plans to bring corporate and industrial sector expertise into school development initiativesShinde said professional capabilities and resources available with companies could be leveraged for technology training expertise and other forms of support to modernise government schoolsWeekly reviews to monitor progressTo 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 implementationReiterating the governments commitment to transforming Maharashtras education system Shinde said ldquoIf our schools change the future of our students will change And if the future of our students changes the future of Maharashtra will changerdquoHe said ldquoIt was the collective responsibility of the government and stakeholders to take forward successful education initiatives in ldquomission moderdquo and ensure that their benefits reach students across the staterdquo