Mumbai, India - July 9, 2024: In a significant move to promote gender equality and enhance educational opportunities, the Maharashtra government has announced that higher education will be made free for girls from Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), Socially and Economically Backward Classes (SEBC), and Other Backward Classes (OBC) starting from the academic year 2024-25. This groundbreaking decision was made during a cabinet meeting led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
The initiative aims to remove financial barriers to education for women and includes waiving tuition and examination fees for orphaned students across both genders. The program, which is expected to cost Rs 906 crore, will cover various levels and types of education, including vocational courses, higher and technical education, and fields such as medicine, pharmacy, agriculture, animal husbandry, pisciculture, and dairy development.
To qualify for this fee waiver, female students must apply through the Centralised Admission Process to government, aided, semi-aided, and non-aided colleges, including polytechnics and autonomous government universities. However, students attending private autonomous universities, self-funded universities, or those enrolling through management and institutional quotas will not be eligible. Eligible students must belong to the specified social classes and come from families with an annual income of Rs 8 lakh or less.
This scheme will benefit both new admissions and current students, marking a significant step in the Maharashtra government's efforts to support women's education. The initiative is part of a series of social welfare programs introduced in the state budget by Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar. These programs include the Mukhyamantri Annapoorna Yojana, which offers three free gas cylinders to women, among other schemes aimed at supporting women and youth.
Chief Minister Shinde emphasized the long-term vision and commitment behind these initiatives. "Our government is dedicated to ensuring that every girl from economically weaker and backward sections has the opportunity to pursue higher education without financial constraints. This initiative is not just for the upcoming elections but is a permanent fixture in our efforts to promote social and economic development," Shinde stated.
The program has received mixed reactions, with the opposition questioning the funding and political motives behind these schemes. Some critics suggest that the initiatives are designed to attract women voters ahead of the upcoming state assembly polls. However, Chief Minister Shinde has asserted that these programs have secure funding and are intended to be lasting measures to support the state's social and economic growth.
The decision has been widely welcomed by educational institutions and social activists, who see it as a crucial step towards achieving gender equality in education. "This initiative will have a transformative impact on the lives of many young women who face financial barriers to education. It is a commendable step towards creating a more inclusive and equitable society," said Dr. Anjali Deshmukh, a prominent social activist.
As the new academic year approaches, the Maharashtra government is gearing up to implement this ambitious program, ensuring that eligible students are aware of the scheme and can benefit from it. The initiative is expected to pave the way for more girls from disadvantaged backgrounds to pursue higher education, contributing to their personal and professional growth and the overall development of the state.
This landmark decision by the Maharashtra government marks a pivotal moment in the state's educational and social welfare policies, highlighting the commitment to empowering women and fostering inclusive growth.