The Maharashtra government has announced a landmark decision to provide free higher education to female students from the Economically Weaker Section (EWS), Socially and Economically Backward Classes (SEBC), and Other Backward Classes (OBCs). This decision, made in a cabinet meeting led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, is seen as a significant step towards promoting women’s education and empowerment, especially ahead of the state assembly polls later this year.
In addition to waiving tuition and exam fees for girls from these categories, the government resolution (GR) also includes a waiver for orphan students, regardless of gender. The policy will apply to female students seeking admission to recognized vocational courses through the Centralized Admission Process in government colleges, aided private colleges, semi-aided private colleges, non-aided colleges, polytechnics, autonomous government universities, and open universities. This initiative will come into effect from the academic year 2024-25 and is expected to cost the state approximately Rs 906 crore.
The free education scheme encompasses a wide range of courses run by various departments, including higher and technical education, medicine, pharmacy, agriculture, animal husbandry, pisciculture, and dairy development. However, students enrolled in private autonomous universities, self-funded universities, or those admitted through management and institutional quotas will not be eligible for the scheme. Both current students and new admissions will benefit from this initiative.
Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar announced several other women-centric schemes in the state budget, including the Mukhyamantri Annapoorna Yojana, which provides three free cylinders to women, and the Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana, offering a monthly allowance of Rs 1,500 to eligible women aged 21 to 60 years. These initiatives aim to support women in various aspects of their lives, from education to daily necessities.
The opposition has raised concerns about the funding sources for these schemes, suggesting they are politically motivated to garner support from women voters ahead of the elections. However, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has assured that the government has made adequate financial provisions to ensure the sustainability of these initiatives.
This move by the Maharashtra government is expected to significantly impact the educational landscape for women in the state, providing them with greater opportunities for higher education and professional development. As the state gears up for assembly polls, this initiative reflects a commitment to women’s empowerment and socio-economic upliftment, promising long-term benefits for the state’s female population.