57 Marathi schools in Mumbai and suburbs on the verge of closure

Mumbai – Even as preparations are underway across Maharashtra to observe Marathi Rajbhasha Day, as many as 57 Marathi-medium schools in Mumbai city and its suburbs are on the brink of closure.

On 15 March 2024, the State Government took a decision regarding staff approval (‘Sanch Manyata’). Under the earlier norm, one teacher was expected for every 20 students. However, under the new rules introduced by the Education Department and changes in the software system, approval for teaching posts will now be granted based on the number of students in each individual class rather than the total enrolment of the school. Due to declining student strength and the revised system, teaching posts may not be sanctioned, which could force schools to shut down.

1.   An example of the new system is a school in Matunga which has a total of 45 students from Classes I to VIII. Since the requirement of 20 students per class is not met separately in each class, not even a single teaching post would be approved for the school.

2.   Although the school is currently functioning with two teachers, under the revised policy both could be declared ‘surplus’.

3.   Out of 1,736 schools of all boards in Mumbai city and suburbs, 337 are Marathi-medium schools. If 57 schools close, the number will fall to 280. Last year alone, 84 schools were shut down. Of the 57 schools now facing closure, 34 are in Western Mumbai district, 19 in North Mumbai and 4 in South Mumbai.

4.   Shivnath Darade, Executive Member of the Mumbai division of the Maharashtra State Teachers’ Council, has demanded an inquiry into whether minority status is being granted to several schools merely for benefits despite there being no genuine necessity.

Editorial Perspectives

• While preparations are underway in the State for Marathi Language Day on 1 May, is it not alarming for the future of the Marathi language that the Marathi community must witness the deteriorating condition of Marathi schools ?

• Language is the very foundation of a State. If the means of learning the language in an independent Maharashtra — achieved through sacrifice and struggle — are themselves disappearing, what meaning will remain for the State’s very existence ?