9 lakh student entries in Marathi schools found bogus after Aadhaar verification

Mumbai, 27 February (News) – In 2012–13, there were 2 crore 18 lakh students enrolled in Marathi-medium schools across the State. In 2023–24, this number declined to 2 crore 12 lakh. This reduction has come to light following Aadhaar verification, Education Minister Dadaji Bhuse informed the Legislative Assembly on 27 February.

The Minister stated that after Aadhaar verification, the number of students in Marathi schools decreased by 9 lakh. In effect, it has emerged that 9 lakh student entries were bogus. He also outlined the steps being taken by the Government to address the declining enrolment in Marathi-medium schools.

Government’s efforts to increase student enrolment

MLA Vikram Pachpute had raised a starred question in the Assembly regarding the declining enrolment in Marathi-medium schools. Responding to this, Education Minister Bhuse presented detailed data on student strength in the State.

He stated, “To increase enrolment, students from Classes 1 to 8 will be provided quality and joyful education. Arrangements have been made to ensure timely distribution of uniforms, shoes and textbooks. In certain schools, additional classes will be conducted to bring students who are lagging behind in writing, reading and mathematics into the mainstream. Students’ health will be assessed and they will be issued Health Cards. Schools will be equipped with facilities such as clean drinking water, hygienic toilets and improved infrastructure.”

Congress MLA Amit Deshmukh asked whether Marathi is compulsory in schools of all mediums. In reply, the Education Minister clarified that Marathi is mandatory in schools across all mediums in the State.

Enrolment to be increased by 25 per cent by 2026–27

The Minister further stated that in schools of other mediums, Marathi will be taught by teachers who are proficient in the language. The Government aims to increase enrolment in Marathi-medium schools by 25 per cent by the year 2026–27.

A comprehensive policy will also be formulated to regulate the fees of private schools and coaching classes. The Minister added that legislation may be introduced in the future in this regard.