Maharashtra has over 1.45 cr students in 1.04 lakh primary schools: Economic Survey

Maharashtra has more than 104 lakh primary schools with an enrolment of around 145 crore students while secondary and higher secondary schools number 29641 with a combined enrolment of about 636 lakh students according to the Economic Survey of Maharashtra 202526 tabled in the state legislature on Thursday reported news agency PTIThe survey provides a comprehensive overview of the statersquos education infrastructure welfare schemes and social indicators highlighting gradual changes in school numbers enrolment patterns and welfare programmes across MaharashtraSlight rise in number of primary schoolsAccording to the report the number of schools providing primary and upper primary education in the state has marginally increased over the past yearThe total number of such schools rose from 104499 in 2023ndash24 to 104526 in 2024ndash25 However the proportion of schools located in rural areas registered a slight decline during the same period reported PTIThe survey noted that the share of rural schools dropped marginally from 752 per cent in 2023ndash24 to 751 per cent in 2024ndash25Similarly the availability of primary schools per thousand children in the relevant age group showed a small decline falling from 101 schools per thousand children in 2023ndash24 to 10 in 2024ndash25Girlsrsquo enrolment and teacherstudent ratio improve slightlyThe report indicated that gender representation in school enrolment remained largely stable with a slight improvement in the share of girlsThe percentage of girls enrolled in schools increased marginally from 477 per cent in 2023ndash24 to 478 per cent in 2024ndash25Another positive indicator highlighted in the survey is the improvement in the pupilteacher ratio The ratio which stood at 311 students per teacher in 2023ndash24 has improved to 301 in 2024ndash25Education experts consider the pupilteacher ratio an important metric in assessing classroom learning conditions and the quality of teachingOver 11 lakh anganwadis provide child welfare servicesThe survey also highlighted the implementation of child welfare and nutrition programmes in the stateOne of the key initiatives is the Integrated Child Development Services ICDS which operates through 110664 anganwadi centres across 553 child development projects in Maharashtra reported PTIThese centres provide essential services including supplementary nutrition immunisation health checkups referral services and preschool education for children below the age of sixThe programme also supports pregnant and lactating women by offering nutritional assistance and health monitoring servicesChild budget share increases in state financesThe Economic Survey noted that the share of funds allocated for childrelated programmes has increased in the state budgetAccording to the report the child budgetrsquos share in the total state budget rose from 129 per cent in 2024ndash25 revised estimates to 133 per cent in 2025ndash26 budget estimates reported PTIThis increase reflects the governmentrsquos focus on improving outcomes in areas such as education nutrition healthcare and child protectionMechanisms strengthened for womenrsquos safetyThe report also reviewed measures aimed at improving womenrsquos safety and welfare in the stateThese include the establishment of fasttrack courts dedicated ldquoBharosardquo cells for victims of crime and more than 119 lakh complaint redressal committees across government and private institutions to address workplace harassment and other issues affecting women reported PTIDespite these measures the survey recorded a rise in reported crimes against women in the stateCrimes against women show an increaseAccording to the data cited in the survey a total of 50350 crimes against women were reported in Maharashtra in 2025This marks an increase compared to 46320 cases reported in 2024 and 47029 cases recorded in 2023The survey emphasised that continued efforts are necessary to strengthen safety mechanisms legal systems and social support networks for womenOverall the report stated that the Maharashtra government continues to implement a range of social welfare and development programmes aimed at improving health education nutrition and social security outcomes across the stateWith inputs from PTI