Mumbai: The Maharashtra Cabinet on Tuesday approved the upgradation of five primary tribal Ashram schools to the secondary level and 19 secondary schools to the higher secondary level (junior college), in a move aimed at curbing dropout rates, particularly among girl students.
Officials said the decision follows directions from the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) to the Tribal Development Department (TDD) to ensure access to higher secondary education for tribal students in nearby areas. The department will initially allocate Rs one crore for the recruitment of teaching and non-teaching staff.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis chaired a Cabinet meeting at Sahyadri Guest House on Tuesday, where the decision was taken.
A senior official said tribal students — especially girls — often discontinue their education after Class 7 as they are reluctant to travel far from home. “In some cases, girls are pushed into child marriage by parents, The NCST has directed that quality education up to Class 12 be made available in nearby schools and colleges. Considering this, we proposed upgrading five primary schools to the secondary level and 19 secondary schools to junior colleges,” the official said.
The decision is expected to benefit around 2,400 tribal students.
The TDD will create 150 teaching and non-teaching posts in these institutions. “Expenditure will increase gradually each year as student numbers grow. The funds will be provided by the department,” the official added.
Once all schools and junior colleges are fully operational over the next five years, the total cost is estimated at Rs 15–17 crore.
Officials noted that the Ashram School Group scheme has been in operation since 1972–73 to promote education among tribal populations in remote areas. At present, 556 aided Ashram schools are run by voluntary organisations under the scheme. Of these, 37 are primary schools (Classes 1 to 7) and 319 are secondary schools (Classes 1 to 10). Additionally, 200 junior colleges (Classes 11 and 12) are attached to secondary Ashram schools.
A total of 2,61,836 students are enrolled in these institutions, including 1,40,254 boys and 1,21,582 girls.
Many of these schools are located in remote, hilly, and, in some cases, Naxal-affected areas. Due to economic constraints, tribal students are often unable or unwilling to travel to taluka or district headquarters for further education, contributing to higher dropout rates. To address this, the TDD has prioritised providing residential education within students’ local areas.
Mumbai, May 5
The Maharashtra Cabinet on Tuesday approved the upgradation of five primary tribal Ashram schools to the secondary level and 19 secondary schools to the higher secondary level (junior college), in a move aimed at curbing dropout rates, particularly among girl students.
Officials said the decision follows directions from the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) to the Tribal Development Department (TDD) to ensure access to higher secondary education for tribal students in nearby areas. The department will initially allocate Rs one crore for the recruitment of teaching and non-teaching staff.
Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis chaired a Cabinet meeting at Sahyadri Guest House on Tuesday, where the decision was taken.
A senior official said tribal students — especially girls — often discontinue their education after Class 7 as they are reluctant to travel far from home. “In some cases, girls are pushed into child marriage by parents, The NCST has directed that quality education up to Class 12 be made available in nearby schools and colleges. Considering this, we proposed upgrading five primary schools to the secondary level and 19 secondary schools to junior colleges,” the official said.
The decision is expected to benefit around 2,400 tribal students.
The TDD will create 150 teaching and non-teaching posts in these institutions. “Expenditure will increase gradually each year as student numbers grow. The funds will be provided by the department,” the official added.
Once all schools and junior colleges are fully operational over the next five years, the total cost is estimated at Rs 15–17 crore.
Officials noted that the Ashram School Group scheme has been in operation since 1972–73 to promote education among tribal populations in remote areas. At present, 556 aided Ashram schools are run by voluntary organisations under the scheme. Of these, 37 are primary schools (Classes 1 to 7) and 319 are secondary schools (Classes 1 to 10). Additionally, 200 junior colleges (Classes 11 and 12) are attached to secondary Ashram schools.
A total of 2,61,836 students are enrolled in these institutions, including 1,40,254 boys and 1,21,582 girls.
Many of these schools are located in remote, hilly, and, in some cases, Naxal-affected areas. Due to economic constraints, tribal students are often unable or unwilling to travel to taluka or district headquarters for further education, contributing to higher dropout rates. To address this, the TDD has prioritised providing residential education within students’ local areas.
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