The Maharashtra Class Owners Association (MCOA) has demanded that the government pay attention to their issues, too, as the industry is collapsing. The MCOA has demanded that coaching classes be included in the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector and be given required benefits. Moreover, the class owners have also sought relaxation in payment of GST this year considering their losses.

MCOA members spoke about their plight through a press conference held remotely on Monday. The industry, which includes 98,000 coaching classes across the state, provides employment to over 15 lakh people. According to MCOA office bearers, many classes are struggling to survive amid the pandemic with many even forced to shut shop. According to the owners of coaching classes, it is high time that the government acknowledges their struggle, and lends an ear to their issues as they are catering to over 1.5 crore students.