Education, education infrastructure and education policy of Maharashtra
Maharashtra is one of the top destinations for Education in India. With numerous school, colleges and other educational institutions operating in the state, Maharashtra is flocked by students from all over the country for pursuing a career in their own chosen field. Pune is a hub for popular colleges and institutions in Maharashtra. Other cities in Maharashtra that are known for having a sound educational base include Ahmednagar, Kolhapur, Aurangabad, Nagpur, and Mumbai.
According to the statistics of Census 2011, the literacy rate in the state of Maharashtra is 82.91%. The male literacy rate is 89.82% and female literacy rate is 75.48%.
The education system in Maharashtra has undergone a massive change over the last decade. The courses and curriculum are made student-friendly and economical for students hailing from all backgrounds. In the year 2010, the criterion for selecting candidates for admission into colleges was decided to be ‘Best of 5′ by the Maharashtra State Board of Secondary Education. This means, a student appearing in 6 subjects can choose marks of any 5 subjects in which he has scored the highest and apply for admission into colleges. However, the students cannot leave out the marks obtained for compulsory subjects like Marathi or English. In 2010, the school education system also underwent a change. SCF or State Curriculum Framework was set up so that school education could be made “contemporary and relevant”. During the same period, the concept of virtual classrooms through video conferencing was also introduced in the education system.
Primary Education In Maharashtra
Maharashtra has shown a remarkable growth in the field of primary education. Primary education in Maharashtra has come a long way in the last two decades. According to the Census 2011, Maharashtra has the literacy rate of 80%, keeping in pace with states like Kerala and Mizoram. Maharashtra Government has introduced several schemes and laws to encourage primary education in the state.
Development of primary education has always been a top priority for Maharashtra State Government. In the year 1951, the Government took upon itself to initiate primary education in the rural areas in Maharashtra. Soon primary education was made compulsory in the state. Since then there has been a steady rise in the numbers of students enrolling in primary schools. Free textbooks were given out to students of first and second standard. Merit scholarships were introduced to encourage and support students. A plan was introduced to improve the primary education system in Maharashtra. The major objective of the plan was to:
- Transform and change the current educational system and relate closely with the aspirations of the students and fulfill their requirements.
- To improve the process and standard of imparting education. To spot, recognize, and develop talent.
- To improve and increase facilities for students and teachers alike.
- Prevent absenteeism and dropout. Attract more students.
- Introduce mid-day meals to keep students interested in school.
- Work towards encouraging girl students to attend school.
- Provide free school supplies including meals, uniform, textbooks, slates, etc.
New methods of teaching were introduced and up gradation of courses and curriculum was initiated. Emphasis was given on more technical and professional ways of teaching. Teachers were encouraged to experiment and apply modern methods of teaching in schools. The format for examination was also changed. 
Currently Maharashtra has around 106403 government schools. Most of these schools have both primary and upper primary grades. Maharashtra has a total enrolment of 8845062 students at the primary level. 47.9% of the total enrolment comprises girl students, which is quite impressive as compared to other states.
Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan in Maharashtra
After the introduction of Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, the flagship program of the Government of India, primary education in Maharashtra has taken a giant leap for good. Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan ensures elementary education of all. According to the program, elementary education in India is free for students belonging to the age group of 6-14. Primary education in India is the fundamental right of every child.
Higher education
Maharashtra is the commercial capital of India. Besides being a world class business hub, Maharashtra is also advances in providing quality education. The literacy rate of this Indian state is 82.9%, which is much higher than rest of the Indian states. The University of Mumbai is one of the best Indian universities. Along with that there are hundreds of other Institutes and prolific Universities across Maharashtra. Some of the top universities in Mumbai are listed in the following:
- Bharati Vidyapeeth’s Institute of Management Kolhapur,
- Maharashtra D.Y.Patil Education Society (Deemed University) Kolhapur,
- Maharashtra Datta Meghe Institute Of Medical Sciences Nyss
- Management Campus, Pratap Nagar, Nagpur
- Dr. Panjabrao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyapeeth, Krishi Nagar Akola Maharashtra
- TATA institute of Social Sciences, Deonar,
- Mumbai Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Mumbai
- Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Technological University, Dist. Raigad Maharashtra
- Dr. Balasaheb Sawant Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth, Dapoli, Dist. Ratnagiri Maharashtra
- Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University, Aurangabad
- Maharashtra Kavikulguru Kalidas Sanskrit Vishwavidyalaya, Ramtek
- Maharashtra Amravati University, Amravati, Maharashtra
Education policies of maharashtra
Saakshar Bharat
- To impart functional literacy & numeracy to non-literate and non-numerate adults.
- To enable the neo-literate adults to continue their learning beyond basic literacy & acquire equivalency to formal educational system.
- To impart non and neo-literates relevant skill development programmes to improve their earning and living conditions.
- To promote a learning society by providing opportunities to neo-literate adults for continuing their education.
IDMI
- The Scheme would facilitate education of minorities by augmenting and strengthening School infrastructure in order to expand facilities for formal education to children of minority communities.
- The scheme will inter alias encourage education facilities for girls children with special needs and those who deprived educationally amongst minorities.
SPQEM
- To encourage Madarsas and maqtabs by giving financial assistance to introduce science, Mathematics, social studies, Hindi, English in their curriculum.
- Academic proficiency for class Ist to XIIth is attainable for Children studying in these institutions
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