Mumbai, In a groundbreaking move, a major corporate entity is poised to adopt 5,000 state-run schools in Maharashtra, as part of the government’s school adoption initiative set to launch on December 5. Education Minister Deepak Kesarkar reassured the public that this initiative aims to enhance infrastructure without privatizing the schools. Critics had expressed concerns about potential privatization and undue influence by private entities.
Kesarkar highlighted the need for improved infrastructure, citing Maharashtra’s ranking of 36%-40% in Central government reports on school facilities. The adoption scheme, announced in September, allows individuals, corporations, and NGOs to adopt government schools for 5 or 10 years, contributing necessary items and services.
The government emphasizes that cash contributions are not permitted, and donors can choose to have the school named after them during the adoption period. Chief Minister Eknath Shinde and deputies Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar are expected to attend the launch on December 5, where additional schemes for government-run schools will also be unveiled.
