The higher education for girls of the Economically Weaker Section (EWS), Socially and Economically Backward Classes (SEBC) and OBCs will be free said Maharashtra Government on Monday. The declaration being seen as important women-oriented sop ahead of the assembly polls behind time this year.
Maharashtra Announces Free Tuition and Exams for Orphans, Female Vocational Students
The decision was also made to waive tuition and exams fees for orphan students (male and female), as per a government resolution (GR). The decision was made in the cabinet meeting leaded by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde.
The Government Resolution said female students seeking admission to recognised vocational courses through Centralised Admission Process in government colleges, aided private colleges and semi-aided private colleges and non-aided colleges, polytechnic, autonomous government universities, open universities can benefit the facility. The decision will be applied from academic year 2024-25 and is expected to cost Rs 906 crore.
The Schemes include courses run by higher and technical education, medicine, pharmacy, agriculture, animal husbandry, pisciculture, dairy development departments. However, students from private autonomous universities/ self-funded universities, those registering through management and institutional share will not be eligible for the scheme.
Maharashtra Budget Announces Free Cylinders, Education for Women, Monthly Allowance & More
The students currently pursuing their education degree and new admissions will also be eligible for the scheme. Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar announced Mukhyamantri Annapoorna Yojana (aimed at giving three free cylinders to women), Mukhyamantri Yuva Karyaprashikshan Yojana and Mukhyamantri Krishi Pump Yojana, Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana (eligible women in the age group 21 to 60 years will get a monthly allowance of Rs 1,500) and a scheme to provide free education to women) in the state Budget.
The opposition has cross-question the origin of funding for these schemes and alleged they are aimed to seek the support of women voters ahead of the state assembly polls. However, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has highlighted that monetary provision has been made for the schemes and the initiatives will be lasting.
