Fadnavis Pulls Up Officials Over Poor Condition of Maharashtra Schools, Hostels

Mumbai: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has pulled up officials over the poor condition of government schools and hostels for tribal and backward class students, reports said. He directed that basic facilities be improved at the earliest.

The matter came up at an infrastructure review meeting on Tuesday. Reports said Fadnavis asked officials sharply what else could be expected but agitations if schools and hostels were in such a state.

Photographs shown at review meeting

According to reports, the state government reviewed the condition of schools and hostels in its infrastructure review for the first time, along with major projects. This came after campaigns led by Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke to improve rural and government schools.

Several departments reportedly tried to present a satisfactory picture. Officials of the Skill Development Department showed the ground reality instead.

Their presentation included photographs of dilapidated buildings and unclean premises of educational institutions. After seeing them, Fadnavis directed that the conditions be improved immediately, without delay.

Three departments to act, funds from district committee

The Social Justice, Tribal Development and Bahujan Welfare departments have reportedly decided to take steps together to improve basic facilities in government schools and hostels.

At a Cabinet meeting, it was decided to make a provision in the District Planning Development Committee (DPDC) fund. Budget will be allocated from it for repairs and facilities at these hostels and schools.